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AMERICANA GERMAMIGA 

New Series 

monographs devoted to the comparative 
study of the 

Literary, Linguistic and Otlier Cultural Relations 

OF 

Germany and America 



EDITOR 

MARION DEXTER LEARNED 

University of Pennsylvania 



AMERICANA GERMANICA 

New Series 

1 . Translations of German Poetry in American 

Magazines 1J41-1810. By Edward Ziegler 
Davis, Ph. D. 5 p. 1,229 pp. Price . $1.65 

2. The Harmony Society. A Chapter in 

German American Culture History. By 
John Archibald Bole, Ph. D. 3 p. 1., 
176 pp. 30 Illustrations. Price . . . . $i-50 

3. Friedrich Schiller in America. A Contribu- 

tion to the Literature of the Poet's 
Centenary, 1905. By EUwood Comly 
Parry, Ph. D. i p. I, 116 pp. Price . $1.25 

4. The Inntience of Salomon Gessner Upon 

English Literature. By Bertha Reed. 

I o.. 1., 118 pp. Price $i-25 

5. The German Settlement Society of Philadel- 

phia and its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 
By William G. Bek. P.p. xi, 182. Price. $1.50 



AMERICANA GERMANICA 



The German Settlement Society 
of philadelphia 

AND Its Colony 



HERMANN, MISSOURI 



William G. Bek 

Harrison Fellow in Germanics, University of Pennsylvania 
1905-7 



AMERICANA GERMANICA PRESS 

PHILADELPHIA 
1907 



07- <9/^'2 









LIBRARY of CONGRESS! 
Two CoDies Received 
•JAN 29 190r 



I A Copyrichi Entry 
mSS O- XXc, No, 

/toO // 3 . 

C O l^Y B. _j 



COPYRIGHTED BY WILLIAM G. BEK 
1907 



TO MY SISTERS 

WHOSE TENDER LOVE AND KINDLY INTEREST IN THIS WORK 

HAVE BEEN A CONSTANT INSPIRATION 

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED 



PREFACE. 

Interest in this subject was first excited in the writer while 
he was preparing- a paper on the Germans in Missouri for the 
Germanic Association of the University of Pennsylvania in 1903- 
1904. Investigations at Hermann uncovered a great amount of 
manuscript matter there pertaining to the Settlement Society. 
Certain missing papers were later found in the Library of the 
German Society in Philadelphia. It is the purpose of this work 
to give as complete a picture of this rather unique undertaking 
of certain German Americans as the sources now extant permit. 

In the preparation of this account the author has made use 
of the following sources : 

1. The manuscript records of the society, preserved in part 
at Hermann, Mo., and in part at Philadelphia. 

2. Correspondences between the officers of the society and 
its agents. 

3. Communications concerning the society, written in Ger- 
many and America, preserved in Alte und Neue Welt, the official 
organ of the society. 

4. The minutes of the Board of Trustees of Hermann, 
which body performed the functions of a city council until 1905. 

5. The records of various social and educational organiza- 
tions at Hermann and certain data published in the Hermann 
newspapers. 

6. Old deeds and government certificates. 

7. Personal observation of existing conditions in and around 
Hermann during years of residence at the place itself. 



vi Preface. 

The writer wishes to express his gratitude to Professor 
M. D. Learned for the encouragement and most valuable assist- 
ance rendered by him in this work; to Mr. H. A. Rattermann, of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, for indispensable aids from his private library; 
to Mr. J. C. Danuser, County Surveyor of Gasconade County, 
Mo., and Mr. E. B, Smith, of Drexel Institute, for kind assist- 
ance in making the charts ; to the town officers of Hermann, and 
to Miss Herzog, of the German Library of Philadelphia, for cour- 
teous treatment extended in giving free use of the Hermann 
manuscripts in their respective archives ; to my many kind friends 
who in a great or small measure have promoted the progress of 
this work. 

William G. Bek. 

Columbia. Mo., June 21, 1906. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia and its Colony, 
Hermann, Missouri. 

Introduction ix 

Chapter I. — A German American Settlement Society: 

1. Its Organization ? i 

2. Various Opinions Regarding the Society 2 J 

3. Growth of the Society 25 

4. The Founding of the Colony and its Early Growth . . 53 

5. The Separation of the Colony from the Parent 

Society 79 

Chapter II. — The Colony Hermann: 

1. General View 120 

2. Education 128 

3. Government 145 

4. Industries at Hermann 151 

5. Religion, Social and Literary Life 157 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 

The Town of Hermann Frontispiece 

Shareholders' Certificate 20 

Greo. F, Bayer — The "General Agent" 38 

Certificate of Purchase 40 

Chart Showing the Colony's Land 44 

Chart Showing Limits of Old Hermann 46 

Hermann During the Fifties 76 

Gasconade County Court House 122 

Eitzen Bust in Eitzen Park 124 

School House at Hermann 128 

An Odd Funeral Announcement 140 

The Old Market House 150 

A Vineyard near Hermann 152 

A Wine Vault at Hermann 154 

The Churches at Hermann 15S 

Eduard Miihl 160 

Der Licht-Freund 162 

Concert Hall at Hermann 164 

Hermanner Volksblatt 166 

Concert Program 168 



INTRODUCTION. 

Since the beginning of the nineteenth century, there have 
been mighty stirrings among the Germans of the New World. 
The thoughtful observer will ask at once, Why did this activity 
not come at an earlier period? Before we enter into the treat- 
ment of our theme proper, which deals primarily and distmc- 
tively with a chapter of German progress on this continent, it 
will be pardonable to give, in a word, a few facts and reasons 
in answer to this question and thus furnish a setting, a back- 
ground for our story. 

It is true that as early as October i6, 1683. the ''Concord 
which Dr. Learned, in the work cited below, calls "the Pennsyl- 
vania German 'Mayflower'," landed the first colonists from Ger- 
many on our shore.^ It is true that this colony found sure foot- 
in- and under the wise leadership of the renowned pioneer Franz 
Daniel Pastorius, soon flourished on Pennsylvania soil. It is 
true that thousands of Germans followed in the wake of the 
"Concord" during the century following this beginning.^' It is 
estimated that in the year 1800 Pennsylvania alone contained 
I SO 000 Germans.3 It is true that from these colonies there 
came a people of brain and brawn, who willingly spoke and 
fought lived and died for their new fatherland. 

But still the query remains, Why did they not come even 
earlier, and why not in still greater numbers? Why were these 
people, who always yearn for the blue hills of the far-away, not 
in the van of the'bold discoverers? Why did they not vie with 

' cf. The Pennsylvania German Dialect, p. 6, M. D. Learned. 

' Ibid, pp. 6-17. 
' Ibid, V. 17. (ix) 



X Introduction. 

other Europeans in laying claim to unknown stretches of land? 
If we but recall the conditions prevailing in Germany at that 
time, if we remember the conflict between Jesuit and Protestant 
fanaticism in the sixteenth century, which gradually led to the 
gruesome Thirty Years' War, we shall know the answer in part. 
Moreover, when Germany had, in a measure, recovered from 
these stunning blows, and was ready to play her role on this 
continent, our own country was involved in its War of Inde- 
pendence. Scarcely had our war come to a successful close, when 
Germany was forced to face the dread Corsican. Wars and un- 
settled political, social and religious conditions barred a large 
number of Germans, therefore, so long from our shores. 

The Germans who had come early to this country and had 
participated in our Revolution were far less numerous than the 
representatives of some of the other European nations. When, 
for reasons above enum.erated, immigration from Germany was 
checked, quite naturally amalgamation, more or less complete, 
took place with the nationalities more numerously represented. 

The ground which Germany had lost in the eager race for 
American possession she could not regain. Nevertheless numer- 
ous attempts were made by certain of her princes and by various 
societies to establish German colonies here, even as late as the 
middle of the nineteenth century. Some fostered the absurd 
hope of founding a German state within the limits of the Union. 
Notable among these was the Giessner Gesellschaft. organized 
in 1833 at Giessen, Hessen-Darmstadt, by Friedrich Miinch and 
Paul Follenius. In a pamphlet which these two men published, 
entitled : "Aufforderung und Erkldrung in Betreff einer Aus- 
zvanderiing im Grossen mis Deutschland in die nordanierikani- 
schen Freistaaten,"^ they set forth the purpose of the society: 
"Die Bildunsr eines deutschen Staates, der natiirlich ein Glied der 



* Gesammelte Schriftcn 7ion Fr. Miinch;" Verlag von C. Witter, St. 
Louis, Mo., 1902, page 99. 



Introduction. xi 

Vereinigten Staaten werden miisste, doch mit Aufrechterhaltung 
einer Staatsform, welche das Fortbestehen deutsoher Gesittung, 
deutscher Sprache sichert und ein achtes, freies und volksthum- 
liches Leben schafft."^ Unfortunately this society did not have 
an opportunity to carry out its well-wrought-out plans. Its his- 
tory would form a curious chapter in the annals of the Germans 
in America. But even before they reached the land of their choice 
beyond the Mississippi, cholera snatched away many of them, 
while other disasters and discontent scattered the survivors, and 
defeated the purpose of their coming. We can but conjecture as 
to the result of such an undertaking. Its plans were well laid, 
and that its leaders were high-minded, trustworthy and capable 
men is indisputable. The names of Friedrich Munch and Paul 
Follenius will always sound well to a German American. 

Many other societies grew up. Some had less lofty, less 
visionary, but more rational motives. Some came here and, for 
a while, existed, more or less successfully, under the rigid rules 
of communism. But most of them were ill-fated. The time had 
passed when isolated nationalities could prosper here. The Amer- 
ican people had become too cosmopolitan in character. Such 
organizations were soon swallowed up and made to blend, as 
well as might be, with their surroundings. 



^ Das deutsche Element in den Ver. Staaten von Nord-Amerika. Gustav 
Korner. Cincinnati, 1880. Page 300. 



CHAPTER I. 

A German-American Settlement Society. 

I. Its Organization. 

Only three years after the organization of the Giessner Ge- 
sellschaft, above mentioned, a settlement society was organized 
in this country, which for loftiness of aspirations and soundness 
of business principles stands second to none. It had its home in 
Philadelphia — the cradle of the German colonization in America. 
If such a society could be made successful, it was but fitting that 
it should emanate from the Pennsylvanians. Its founders were 
not of the old stock of Germans who had come during the seven- 
teenth and eighteenth centuries. They were, for the most part, 
newcomers who still believed in "Deutschland, Deutschland iiber 
alles." The "Deutsche Gesellschaft" had existed in Philadelphia 
since December 26, 1764.^ But its purpose was to aid and pro- 
tect German immigrants. The organization, which we purpose 
to deal with, had nothing whatsoever to do with the "Deutsche 
Gesellschaft." It was formally organized at Philadelphia, 
August 27, 1836, as the "Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zu 
Philadelphia." Its avowed purpose was to carry out those plans 
which the foreign societies had failed to promote, namely, the 
establishment of a colony in some portion of the United States, 
preferably in the "Far West," a colony which should be charac- 
teristically German in every particular. The promoters were 
prompted by several reasons. They were enthusiastic enough 
about their new surroundings and appreciative of its possibilities, 
but they missed so keenly those things so dear to the native Ger- 



^Das deiitsche Element in den Ver. Staaten, Korner, 



P- 23. 



2 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

man. They believed that in partial isolation they could enjoy 
both the advantages of America and the pleasures of the Father- 
land. Their kinsmen, whom they found here, they saw 
strangely changed, very much Americanized, and the language 
which some of the latter spoke was almost as unintelligible to the 
newcomer as the English itself. They realized that in their 
Americanized kinsmen they saw the future of their own children, 
should they remain in the same environments. To avoid this, 
and to find homes for themselves, at moderate cost, as well as to 
encourage the promotion of a laudable attempt to keep alive 
things GeiTnan, they resolved upon the organization. They be- 
lieved that, being somewhat familiar with American laws, cus- 
toms and conditions, they could accomplish what others had 
failed to bring about. 

The first written account obtainable concerning this society 
is recorded in an old German newspaper, Alte nnd Neue Welt — 
published in Philadelphia — under the date of May 7, 1836. This 
paper, upon resolution of the board of managers of the society, 
passed September 28, 1836, became the official organ of the soci- 
ety, and its statements may be taken as authentic. It was edited, 
during the period that concerns us, by J. G. Wesselhoeft, who 
was entrusted with offices of honor and trust by the society — 
secretary, and later treasurer — and of whom Gustav Korner 
says: "Sein ganzes Bestreben war, die Deutschen zu einigen, sie 
an die Erhaltung ihrer Muttersprache zu mahnen, sie politisch 
geachtet und stark zu maohen."'^ 

The paper existed from 1834 to 1843. Its editors, after 
J. G. Wesselhoeft, were E, L. Walz, Samuel Ludvigh, and 
Scheele de Vere .** No history of the subject under discussion 
can be complete without the aid of this paper ; its information is 
positively indispensable. Furthermore it is a most valuable aid 



' Gustav Korner, Das deutsche Element, p. 36. 
» Ibid, p. 35. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missotcri. 3 

in a study of German progress in general in America during the 
decade in which it was pubHshed. Korner comments on it as 
follows '? 

"Das Erscheinen der Alten und Neuen Welt am 4. Januar 1834, 
kann als der Anfang einer neuen Zeit fiir die Deutschen in den Ver- 
einigten Staaten bezeichnet werden. Das Blatt, in Royal Format, 
schon im zweiten Jahre in gross Royal Format, war auf gutem 
weissen Papier, mit vielfach geschmackvollen Lettern gedruckt, 
und enthielt mehr Lesestoff in seiner Wochennummer, als die zur 
selben Zeit in Deutschland erscheinenden Tageblatter, die Augs- 
burger Allgemeine Zeitiing etwa ausgenommen, in einer Woche ent- 
hielten." 

Wilhelm Weber, a contemporary of Wesselhoeft, editor of 
the Anzeiger des Westens, of St. Louis, has this to say of the 
Axlte und Neue Welt: 

"Sie unterstijtzt in Amerika, ohne grossen Unterschied Alles, 
was deutsch heisst, und darf sich als Patronin vieler deutscher Un- 
ternehmungen betrachten."^° 

The complete file of this valuable old paper, Die Alte und 
Neue Welt, exists now, so far as we have been able to ascertain, 
only in one collection, and this is owned by the well-known Ger- 
man writer, H. A. Rattermann, of Cincinnati, Ohio, to whose 
kindness I am indebted for the valuable information recorded 
there concerning my theme. 

Under the date above quoted, May 7, 1836, appears this 
notice, which is the first reference to the society or rather a call 
for its organization : 

"Schon seit einiger Zeit haben sich in mehreren Orten der Ver- 
einigten Staaten Gesellschaften gebildet, um sich iiber die Griindung 
einer deutschen Stadt, welche der Mittelpunkt einer deutschen An- 
siedlung in einer der westlichen Gegenden dieses Landes seyn soil, 
zu berathen. Eine solche Niederlassung, im Falle dieselbe von edel- 



' Das deutsche Element, p. 38. 
* Ibid, p. 39. 



4 The Gerniayi Settlement Society of Philadelphia. 

gesinnten, verstandigen und fleissigen Menschen geschahe, wiirde 
gewiss fiir deutsche Sprache und Sitten, deutsche Kunst und Wis- 
senschaft ein grosser Gewinn seyn, und wiirde Tausenden, welche 
gem das alte Vaterland verlassen wollten, vvenn sie nur im fremden 
Lande dem schonen, gemiithlichen, deutschen Volksleben nicht ent- 
sagen mussten, einen willkommenen Zufluchtsort, eine neue Heimath 
darbieten. Es ist daher der Wunsch mehrerer Einwohner dieser 
Stadt, auch eine solche Gesellschaft zu errichten und dieselbe, wo 
moglich, mit den Andern zu einem grossen Ganzen zu verbinden. 
Es wird zu diesem Endzweck Samstag, den 21. Mai, Abends um 
8 Uhr, in der "Northern Exchange in der dritten Strasse der nord- 
lichen Freiheiten der Commissioners Hall gegeniiber", eine Ver- 
sammlung gehalten werden, wozu nicht allein Solche, welche geneigt 
sind, sich nach dem fernen Westen zu begeben, sondern Alle, welche 
die Aufrechthaltung und Verbreitung deutschen Volksthums wiin- 
schen freundlich eingeladen sind. Es ware zu wiinschen, dass sich 
Einige zu einer dem Gegenstand angemessenen Rede vorbereiten 
mochten." 

(Signed) „Uin Deutscher." 

This meeting could not be held for the reason that, as a 
notice of May 28th announces, the hall was, by some misunder- 
standing, pre-empted by another club. The second notice calls 
for a meeting on June 3d, to be held in the Commissioners' Hall, 
on North Third Street. 

Just what was accomplished at this first meeting is not 
chronicled. From what followed soon after we may safely infer 
that from the very beginning the project was favorably received. 

The next record which we have is dated June loth, and 
consists of the minutes of a committee which evidently was ap- 
pointed at the meeting on June the 3d. This committee met at 
the Penn Hotel, which was located in Laetetia Court, south side 
of Market Street, between Second and Front Streets. The hotel 
was owned by G. Zimmermann. All the meetings of the society 
were held here, and many of the committees met here. The 
minutes in question are prefaced thus : "Erste Sitzung des Aus- 
schusses, welcher sich zu Folge allgemeiner Abstimmung, zum 
Besuche der umfassenderen Beleuchtung des Projectes eine neue 
deutsche Stadt zu griinden, heute versammelte." The committee 



And its Colony, Hermayin, Missouri. 5 

consisted of six members: Anton Dunkelberg-, Pfarrer Heinr. 
Ginal, Ferdinand Starck, G. Conradt, Dr. Wm. Schmoele, Xaver 
Jenderich. There were also two "berathende Glieder" ; Ludwig 
Friedaiis and Wilhelm Mohl. 

Pfarrer Ginal was chosen as chairman, and Wilhelm Mohl 
as temporary secretary. The first item of business of this com- 
mittee appears to have been the consideration of a proposition 
by one Thomas Padaraque, "der Texas zur Erreichung des vor- 
habenden Zweckes im Vergleich der anderen vorgeschlagenen 
Landern in giinstiges Licht zu stellen sucht." From this we are 
led to infer that as early as the meeting of June the third, or even 
previously, certain portions of America had been proposed as 
desirable for 'this settlement. Padaraque's proposition was set 
aside on the ground that Texas was politically too unsettled. 
(Texas had gained her independence in 1835 and was not yet a 
part of the United States.) Padaraque seems to have partici- 
pated in these early meetings for selfish ends only. In the city 
directory of that time we find no such name. It is very probable 
that he was the representative of some land agents, who foresaw 
some rich profits from transactions with a society none too famil- 
iar with American ways. He appears only a few times in the 
records. After proposing and recommending the purchase of 
104,000 acres of land in Jefferson County (the State is not 
given, it is to be inferred that Texas is meant), on June 20th, he 
is not again mentioned. 

The Texas proposition by Padaraque provoked a good deal 
of comment. In one of these replies made by Jenderich, on June 
15th, additional light is thrown on the condition as well as the 
aspirations of the Germans. We therefore quote a part of it 
here : 

"Lange schon lag es in den Wunschen und in den Planen von 
uns Deutschen, uns in den grossen Vereingten Staaten ein neiies 
Deutschland, ein neues Vaterland, ein sicheres Asyl fiir uns, unsere 
Kinder und Nachkommen zu sfriinden und in dem Kreise unserer 



6 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Familien ruhig iind unabhangig, noch mehr wie wir es gewohnt 
waren, gesellschaftlich leben zu konnen. 

Diese Wunsche blieben seither aus eigener Schuld unerfiillt, 
indem die zu diesem Behufe schon in unserem Vaterlande und hier 
sich schon oft und viel gebildeten Vereine sich stets wieder trenn- 
ten, auseinanderliefen und sich bald da bald dort im Lande herum- 
streuten. Es fehlte stets an zwei wichtigen Erfordernissen : an Ein- 
tracht und — dem wichtigsten — den Mitteln. Nun scheint aber ein 
neuer Stern aufzugehen." 

Among- the papers of the society is found : "Ein Entwurf 
zur Bildung einer Actien-Gesellschaft." It bears no signature. 
From the tone that prevails in it, which sometimes savors 
strongly of communism, it may be safe to surmise that Pfarrer 
Ginal, who was mentioned above, was its author. That Ginal was, 
at a later period, engaged in a communistic venture is well known. 
It might also be mentioned that after the society had decided to 
pursue a non-communistic policy, Ginal entirely disappears from 
view. 

Some things which the writer says in his "Entwurf" give 
us clues to certain views regarding the society. 

The principal part of the paper begins with this sane state- 
ment : "Soil der Wohlstand des Ganzen dauernd begriindet wer- 
den so miissen Ackerbau und Manufacturen Hand in Hand ge- 
hen." Later the writer seeks to stimulate interest and arouse the 
pride of his countrymen : 

"Wenn unser Zweck, ein neues teutsches Vaterland zu griinden, 
durch Einigkeit und briiderliche gegenseitige Unterstiitzung erreicht 
worden ist, so diirfen wir uns der trostlichen Hoffnung iiberlassen, 
dass der Teutsche noch mit alien jenen Tugenden begabt sein 
mogte, wodurch unser Volk unter den andern Volkern der Welt 
dasteht, wie die kraftige, ehrwiirdige Eiche unter den Baumen des 
Waldes; dass in ihrer Reinheit erhalten vverden mogten jene un- 
eigennutzige Wohlthatigkeit, jene warme-, treue Anhanglichkeit an 
seine Landsleute, jene gerade Ehrlichkeit. jene Gastfreundlichkeit, 
jener ausdauernde Fleiss, jene feurige Vaterlandsliebe unserer Vater 
und jener begeisterte Freiheits-Sinn endlich, der in der Stunde der 
Priifung noch eben so lauter, wie vor Jahrhunderten sich bewahrend 
einen ehrenvollen Antheil an dem Kampfe dieser Kolonien gegen 
ihre Unterdriicker nahm." 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 7 

In the following we have an outcropping of the communistic 
ideas above mentioned: 

"Wenn einst Vernunft und Humanitat und allgemeines Wohl- 
wollen herschen werden, dass das Wohl jedes Einzelnen von der 
Wohlfahrt Aller abhangt, und Jeder iiberzeugt sein wird, dass er 
an seinem eigenen Gliick arbeitet, indem er die Wiinsche des An- 
deren befordert, dann wird kein politischer Fanatismus, kein After- 
priester der Gerechtigkeit ihren seligen Frieden storen und Zwie- 
tracht nie ihren stillen Wohnungen sich nahen." 

From a number of such and stronger hints we are justified 
in concluding that some of the early promoters of the settlement 
movement entertained views of a communistic organization. It 
will be remembered that no definite organization existed as yet. 
Everyone was invited to submit his views. From these plans the 
most feasible was to be selected. 

It is not in the least surprising to hear such a communistic 
note sounded at this time. The air seems to have been full of it. 
Rapp and other leaders of communities had already brought their 
societies to the highest point of prosperity. It is safe to assert 
that almost every German of Philadelphia knew about these 
societies. From several letters addressed to the temporary ofifi- 
cers of the society to be, we glean that the writers feared that a 
society "a la Rapp" was intended. Soon, however, these allu- 
sions and suggestions disappear entirely. The society settled 
down to work out a sound business proposition. That this task 
was not an easy one is quite apparent. None of the participants 
had any experience in such undertakings. First of all it was 
necessary that a large number of Germans should become inter- 
ested in the plan. Then the public must be convinced, beyond a 
shadow of a doubt, of the sincerity of the promoters. The basis 
of the business must be perfectly sound. All this was understood 
and appreciated by the committee which was charged to find 
ways and means to the solution of these problems. 

The methocl of obtaining the necessary money presented 
much difficulty. It was clear that a large sum of money would 



8 The Germaji Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

be needed. Just how to obtain these funds without giving some 
capitalists a controlling interest demanded careful reflection. The 
society was to be for the people and by the people. This much 
all desired. The plan of forming a stock company appeared to 
be the most practical and met the most hearty approval. Quite 
naturally, however, the details of the plan could mature but 
slowly. A great number of resolutions were proposed and again 
recalled. In this manner the affair dragged along until Dr. Wil- 
liam Schmoele suggested a sound and practical plan of raising 
the necessary money to place the whole project on a working 
basis. This proposition appears in the report the Committee 
on Ways and Means submitted to the main body. 
The report is prefaced thus : 

"Briider nenne ich Euch alle die Ihr hier versammelt seyd, alle, 
welche sich der deutschen Zunge bedienen, mochte ich zu einem 
Familienbunde vereinigt sehn." 

After a few paragraphs, rehearsing the purpose of the soci- 
ety, they drew up the resolutions, the essential parts of which 
follow : 

"i.) Dass in einigen der gelesensten Zeitungen Aufforderungen 
an die Besitzer solcher Landereien erlassen werden, welche im 
Staate Pennsylvanien, New York, Illinois, etc. von 150,000 bis 
200,000 Acker besitzen, dieselben mochten zum Behufe der Unter- 
handlung moglichst genaue Beschreibungen und Verkaufsbedingun- 
gen einschicken, welche einlaufende Berichte uns in Stand setzen, 
nicht nur in den Besitz gehoriger Auswahl zu gelangen sondern 
auch; 

2.) Drei Commisaire abzusenden, welche durch moglichst ge- 
nauen Augenschein alle ortliche Verhaltnisse priifen, und dariiber 
Rechenschaft ertheilen sollen. 

3.) Zu Bestreitung dieser, als auch etwaiger weitrer unvermeid- 
licher Kosten, diirfte von jedem Interessirten eine Beitrags Quota 
von $3.00 sogleich erhoben werden. Nur auf diese Weise glauben 
wir den grossen wichtigen Colonisationsplan ausarbeiten zu konnen, 
welcher unter briiderlicher Eintracht ausgefiihrt, das Mittel wird 
denen sittlichen, wackeren Deutschen, welche die redliche mann- 
liche Absicht mitbringen, durch vereinigte Anstrengungen. im 



Audits Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 9 

Schweiss ihres Angesichtes, sich Unabhangigkeit zu erringen ; dann 
diirfte man sich belebenden Hoffnungen iiberlassen, dass solche 
Niederlassungen sich bald, von alien gleichzeitigen anderen, durch 
ein rasches, frohliches Gedeihen auszeichnen warden. 

Allmahlich werden dann alle grossen Landstnche im nord- 
westlichen Theile von Pennsvlvanien, wohl gar unter noch gunsti- 
creren Bedingungen, vorziiglich fiir deutsche Emigranten sich offnen 
Snd in wenigen Jahren vielleicht jener nordwesthche Theil von 
Pennsylvanien, kurzer und charakteristisch zugleich, mit dem Na- 
men Deutschheim" bezeichnet werden konnen und zwar nicht als 
eine Heimath derer die aus Noth und Bedrangniss eine Heimath 
suchen auch fiir deutsche Volksthiimlichkeit und deutsche National- 
tuo-enden — und eine Zuflucht einst fiir deutsche Kunst und Lit- 
te?atur Das Guthaben des Individuums wird ihm nach seinem Ver- 
langen entweder in Produkten der Gesellschaft oder wo es thunhch 
ist in Geldern oder auch als Capital der Gemeinde gegen Verzin- 
sung, oder zu gemeinschaftlichen Unternehmungen, als Actie ge- 
lassen." 

Resolutions 5, 6 and 7 do not interest us here, except for 
the suggestion relating to communism contained in them. It is 
therefore unnecessary to quote them here. 

"8.) Wenn die Gesellschaft gross genug ist, so werden nach 
einiger Zeit ein oder mehrere ttichtige, mit soliden Kentnissen aus- 
geriisteten Schullehrer angestellt, welche zugleich fiir die Erwach- 
senen, die Theil am Unterricht nehmen wollen, bestimmt, und auch 
zweckmassigen Unterricht in der englischen Sprache ertheilen. Mu- 
sik zur Ausbildung musikalischer Talente, und Gesangiibungen fur 
alle jungen Personen mochten mit solchem Unterricht hauptsach- 
lich verbunden werden. 

9.) Eine gesellschaftliche Bibliothek ausgewahlter, nutzlicher 
Schriften in teutscher und englischer Sprache moge ein wesent- 
licher Gegenstand der Berathung werden." 

Thus the committee outlined the plan of procedure and 
offered suggestions that should induce others to become inter- 
ested in the scheme. 

In the Altc und Neue Welt of August 6th we find the first 
notice pointing towards the formal organization of the society. 
It reads thus : "Es wird der Versammlung eine Constitution zur 
formlichen Organisirung der Gesellschaft zur Berathung und 
Abstimmung vorgelegt werden." Signed, "Der Ausschuss." 



lo The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

At this meeting, which was held on August 9th, fifty per- 
sons were found willing to support the scheme as outlined. At 
that time the following constitution was drafted for the society. 
The date of its adoption remains undetermined. 

Statuten der dcutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft. 

Da wir es fiir sehr vortheilhaft fiir uns, unsere Freunde, und die 
Deutschen im Allgemeinen halten, dass in irgend einem passenden 
Theile der Vereinigten Staaten, wo moglich Pennsylvanien, eine 
deutsche Ansiedlung angelegt werde, in welcher einer grossen An- 
zahl Deutscher Gelegenheit gegeben wird ihren Fleiss und ihre 
Kentnisse auf einer ihnen vortheilhaften und angenehmen Weise in 
Thatigkeit und Anwendung zu bringen : so haben wir uns zu einer 
Gesellschaft vereinigt, deren Zweck ist alle Erkundigungen einzuzie- 
hen, Untersuchungen anzustellen und Vorbereitungen zu treffen, 
welche zur Ansiedlung nothwendig und niitzlich sind. 

I. Name. 

Der Name der Gesellschaft soil sein ^Deutsche Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft." 

II. Mitglieder. 

Jedermann kann Mitglied dieser Gesellschaft werden, welcher 
Interesse fiir die beabsichtigte deutsche Ansiedlung hegt, er mag 
dahin auswandern wollen oder nicht. 

III. Beitrdge. 

Jedes Mitglied zahlt einen Beitrag von $3.00 in die Kasse der 
Gesellschaft, um die zur Ausfiihrung ihres Planes nothwendigen 
Ausgaben zu bestreiten. Diese 3 Thaler und alle etwaigen anderen 
autorisierten Ausgaben der GHeder dieser Gesellschaft sollen den- 
selben bei der spateren wirklichen Anlegung der Ansiedlung als 
Abschlagszahlung fiir ihre Landantheile zu gute geschrieben werden. 

IV. Beamte. 

Die Gesellschaft wahlt jedesmal in ihrer ersten halbjahrigen 
Versammlung einen Vorsitzer, zwei Stadthalter, zwei Schreiber und 
einen Schatzmeister. Diese Beamten sollen ihre Aemter unentgelt- 
lich verwalten. 



And its Colony, Hermanyi, Missouri. 1 1 

- V. PHichten und Rechte der Beamten. 

(They are the same as those of any other American organiza- 
tion.) 

VI. Stehender Ausschuss. 

In gleicher Zeit mit den genannten Beamten soil ein stehender 
Ausschuss von y bis 8 Mitgliedern gewahlt werden, welcher zwischen 
den Versammlungen der Gesellschaft die Geschafte derselben fiihren 
und in wichtigen Angelegenheiten eine ausserordentliche Versamm- 
lung der Gesellschaft berufen soil. 

Der Vorsitzer, die Schreiber, die Statthalter und der Kassen- 
verwalter sollen dem stehenden Ausschuss als Mitglieder beigefiigt 
werden. 

VII. Versammlungen. 

Die Gesellschaft soil sich alle Monate, je am ersten Samstag- 
Abend desselben versammeln um den Gang der Gesellschaft fortzu- 
setzen. 

Pursuant to the call of August the ninth, a meeting was held 
to discuss the permanent organization. From August 9th to the 
27th, seven meetings were held to discuss, alter and amend the 
proposed constitution. The advice of Samuel Keemle, an attor- 
ney at law, was sought, and the most prominent business men of 
Philadelphia were consulted regarding the practicability of the 
organization. The chief care was the disposition of the money 
of the society. The growth as to membership had been steady. 
No attempt was made to hasten it. The soundness of the basic 
principles was the chief consideration. Finally on August the 
271th, the constitution of the society was formally accepted. Ap- 
pended to this there appear the names of 225 signers, which we 
reproduce in their original order. 

The following is the constitution of the permanent organi- 
zation : 

Verfassungsurkunde und Nehengesetze der Deutschen Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft, gegrundet zu Philadelphia am 2.yten Aug. 1836. 

No. I. Gesellschaft. 

Wir die Unterzeichneten vereinigen uns zu einer Gesellschaft 



12 The Germa)i Settlemeyit Society of Philadelphia 

fur die Anlegung einer deutschen Ansiedlung, und wollen den 
Namen : 

„Dentsch e A nsiedlungs- G e sells chaft" 

fiihren. 

Zur Organisiening der Gesellschaft, zur regelmassigen Ge- 
schaftsfiihrung und zur Sicherung der Rechte jedes einzelnen Mit- 
gliedcs sowohl als der ganzen Gesellschaft setzen wir folgende Sta- 
tuten f est : 

No. 2. Actien. 

Die Gesellschaft wird auf Actien gegriindet von welchen jede 
im ersten Tausend fiinfundzwanzig und jede im zweiten Tausend 
dreissig Thaler kosten soil. Die Preise aller iibrigen Actien sollen 
von dem Verwaltungsrath vorgeschlagen und von der Gesellschaft 
bestimmt werden. 

No. 3. Rechte der Mitglieder. 

Jeder Eigenthiimer von einer oder mehreren Actien hat eine 
Stimme. Jedes Mitglied erhalt fiir jede Actie, die es eignet, eine 
Stadt-lotte in einer von der Gesellschaft anzulegenden Stadt al« 
Eigenthum. Jedoch soil jedes Mitglied, welches eine Bauerei der 
Gesellschaft unter den nur den Mitgliedern zu bewilligenden Vor- 
theilen ankauft, das Recht haben, eine oder jede seiner Actien zu 
dem zur Zeit stattfindenden erhohten Actien Preise, anstatt baaren 
Geldes, zuriickzugeben. Sollte z. B. ein Mitglied vier Actien be- 
sitzen und nach zwei Jahren, wenn vielleicht der Preis der Actien auf 
hundert Thaler gestiegen ist, eine zum Bewohnen fertig gemachte 
Bauerei fiir die Summe von vierhundert Thalern von der Gesell- 
schaft ankaufen, so hat er das Recht, seine vier Actien, jede zu hun- 
dert Thaler gerechnet, an Zahlungs-Statt zuriick zu geben ; wodurch 
seine Bauerei ganz abbezahlt wird. 

No. 4. Beamten. 

Die Beamten der Gesellschaft sollen bestehen in: 
einem Prasidenten, 
einem Vice-Prasidenten, 
einem Secretair, 
einem Vice-Secretair, 
einem Schatzmeister, 
und ferner in : 

einem Verwaltungsrathe von neun Gliedern und einem 
Deputirten-Ausschusse von drei Mitgliedern. 



And its Colo7iy, Hermann, Missouri. 13 

No. 5. Wahl der Beamten und Amtsdauer. 

Alle Beamten sollen durch Stimmen-Mehrheit in einer consti- 
tutionellen, regelmassigen Versammlung- der Gesellschaft und zwar 
derjenigen, welche dem Auslaufe der respectiven Amtsdauer der 
Beamten zunachst vorher geht, gewahlt werden. 

Alle Beamten sollen auf ein Jahr gewahlt werden. 

Das Amt des Deputirten-Ausschusses soil mit der Beendigung 
seiner Auftrage ablaufen. 

Alle diese Bestimmungen iiber die Amtsdauer der Beamten, 
mit Ausnahme des Deputirten-Ausschusses, sollen erst in Kraft 
treten nachdem tausend Actien von der Gesellschaft verkauft sind. 
Bis dahin sollen alle Beamten, mit Ausnahme der Deputirten, bios 
provisorisch gewahlt werden. 

No. 6. Pflichten der Beamten. 

I. Der Prasident soil 

I.) in den Versammlungen der Gesellschaft den Vorsitz fiihren 
und bei Stimmen-Gleichheit die entscheidende Stimme haben. 

2.) Er soil dafiir sorgen, dass Ordnung und Ruhe erhalten und 
Beschliisse der Gesellschaft genau und piinktlich vollzogen werden. 

3.) Er soil, gemass Par. 9, alle Rechnungen und Anweisungen 
auf die Kasse der Gesellschaft zugleich mit dem Verwaltungsrathe 
unterzeichnen. 

4.) Er soli alle 6 Monate Bericht erstatten iiber die in dieser 
Zeit gemachten Fortschritte der Gesellschaft. 

II. Der Viceprasident soil in Abwesenheit des Prasidenten das 
Amt desselben verwalten. 

III. Der Sekretair soil 

I.) Das Protokoll der Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft fiihren. 

2.) Er soil die Correspondenz der Gesellschaft besorgen. 

3.) Er soil die Constitution und sonstigen Documente der Ge- 
sellschaft aufbewahren. 

4.) Er soil eine Woche vor dem Ende jedes halben Jahres einen 
schriftlichen Bericht iiber die Verwaltung seines Amtes in dem letzt- 
verflossenen halben Jahre an den Prasidenten abliefern. 

5.) Er soil, nach Par. 9, alle Rechnungen und Anweisungen 
auf die Kasse der Gesellschaft mit unterschreiben. 

IV. Der Vicesecretair soil in Abwesenheit des Secretairs die 
Stelle desselben vertreten, ihm auch sonst bei iiberhauften Geschaf- 
ten Hiilfe leisten. 



14 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

V. Der Schatzmeister soil 

I.) alle Gelder der Gesellschaft in Empfang nehmen und 
dariiber quittiren. 

2.) Er soil sobald er eine Siimme von loo Thalern eingenom- 
men hat, dieselbe in einer noch naher zu bestimmenden Bank binnen 
24 Stunden niederlegen. 

3.) Er soil alle Rechnungen, vvelche vom Prasidenten, Secre- 
tair und Verwaltungsrathe unterschrieben sind, durch Anweisungen 
auf die Kasse, welche nach Par. 9, von ihm selbst, dem Prasidenten, 
Secretair und dem Verwaltungsrathe unterschrieben sind, bezahlen. 

4.) Er soil iiber Einnahme und Ausgabe genau Buch fiihren 
und jedes Mai auf Verlangen des Verwaltungsrathes, nach zwei- 
tagiger Anzeige, diesem die Biicher zur Einsicht vorlegen. 

5.) Er soil eine Woche vor dem Ende jedes halben Jahres 
einen schriftlichen Bericht iiber den Zustand der Kasse an den Pra- 
sidenten ablegen. 

Er soil eine verhaltnissmassige Biirgschaft leisten. 

VI. Der Verwaltungsrath soil : 

I.) Die Geschafte der Gesellschaft zwischen den Versamm- 
lungen derselben versehen und alle diejenigen Anordnungen treffen, 
welche das wohl der Gesellschaft und die Erreichung ihrer Zwecke 
erfordern. Zu alien seinen Beschliissen und Anordnungen soil 
jedoch die Beistimmung des Prasidenten der Gesellschaft notwendig 
sein. 

2.) Er soil nach Par. 9 das Vermogen der Gesellschaft vertre- 
ten und alle Rechnungen und Anweisungen auf die Kasse der Ge- 
sellschaft unterschreiben. 

3.) Er soil in jeder regelmassigen Versammlung der Gesell- 
schaft Bericht erstatten iiber Alles, was er seit der letzt vorherge- 
gangenen Versammlung angeordnet und geleistet hat. 

VII. Der Deputirten-Ausschuss soil die ihm vom Verwaltungs- 
rathe angewiesenen Staaten und Gebiete von Nord-Amerika bereisen 
und untersuchen ob und wie weit derselbe oder welche Theile der- 
selben zu einer deutschen Ansiedlung geeignet sind. 

Der Ausschuss soil zu diesem Zwecke ein Tagebuch fiihren 
iiber Resultate seiner Untersuchungen und wahrend seiner Reise 
von Zeit zu Zeit einen Auszug daraus an den Verwaltungsrath schi- 
cken, bei seiner Zuriickkunft aber das Ganze der Versammlung 
vorlegen. 

Der Ausschuss soil ferner, so weit es ihm moglich ist, iiber die- 
jenigen Landstriche, die ihm zu einer deutschen Ansiedlung am 
tauglichsten scheinen, provisorische Kauf-Contracte unter den mog- 
lichst vortheilhaften Bedingungen abzuschliessen suchen, so dass die 



Audits Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. 15 

Gesellschaft nachher bei der Auswahl eines Landstriches die Kauf- 
Contracte nach Gutbefinden genehmigen oder verwerfen kann. 

No. 7. V ersammlungen. 

Jeden Monat soil eine regelmassige Versammlung der Gesell- 
schaft gehalten warden. So oft bei einer Versammlung der Gesell- 
schaft fiinfzig Mitglieder personlich anwesend sind, soil die Ver- 
sammlung fahig sein, Geschafte zu thun. 

Nur Mitglieder der Gesellschaft konnen Stellvertreter fiir ab- 
wesende Mitglieder sein. Kein Mitglied darf mehr als funf Stimmen 
reprasentiren, seine eigene eingeschlossen. Sollte daher Jemand 
von mehr als vier anderen Gliedern zum Stellvertreter ernannt sein, 
so muss er alle iibrigen Stimmen auf anwesende Mitglieder ver- 
theilen. Extra- Versammlungen soUen gehalten und durch den Pra- 
sidenten berufen werden, so oft es dieser fur nothig halt oder der 
Verwaltungsrath oder fiinfundzwanzig Mitglieder der Gesellschaft 
ihn dazu aufifordern. 

No. 8. Verwertung der G elder. 

Die Gelder der Gesellschaft soUen zum Ankaufe des Landes, 
zur Urbarmachung und Einrichtung von Bauereien und Dorfschaf- 
ten, zur Abklarung, und Auslegung von einer oder mehreren Stad- 
ten, je nachdem die Mittel der Gesellschaft reichen ; ferner zu alien 
solchen Anlagen und Unternehmungen welche das Aufbliihen der 
Gesellschaft befordern : zu Fabriken, Manufacturen, Schulen etc., 
verwendet werden. Alle Bestimmungen zur Verwendung der Gelder 
sollen von der Gesellschaft oder vom Verwaltungsrathe gemacht 
werden. Sobald jedoch im letztern Falle eine Unternehmung iiber 
tausend Thaler kostet, soil die EinwilHgung einer constitutions- 
massigen Versammlung der Gesellschaft unerlasslich sein. 

No. 9. Sicherstellung der Kasse. 

Zur Sicherstellung der Kasse und des Vermogens sollen die 
neun Verwaltungsrathe als Trusties die Kasse und das Vermogen 
der Gesellschaft reprasentieren, zu welchem Zwecke ein Trusties- 
Contract (deed or declaration of trust) durch einen von der Gesell- 
schaft zu erwahlenden Ausschuss mit den Verwaltungsrathen abge- 
schlossen werden soil. 

In diesem Contracte soil bestimmt werden, dass alle Einnahmen, 
sobald sie eine Summe von hundert Thalern betragen, binnen 24 
Stunden in einer naher zu bestimmenden Bank sollen niedergelegt 
werden und dass keine Gelder aus dieser Bank sollen herausge- 



1 6 The German Settleme^it Society of Philadelphia 

nommen werden konnen, wenn nicht eine Anweisung zu diesem 
Zwecke von dem Prasidenten, oder in dessen Abwesenheit vom 
Viceprasidenten, von dem Secretaire, von dem Schatzmeister und 
der Mehrheit des Verwaltungsrathes unterzeichnet worden ist. Fer- 
ner sollen in dem genannten Trusties-Contracte, oder (deed or dec- 
laration of trust), alle sonstigen Provisionen gemacht werden, welche 
der zur Abschliessung desselben erwahlte Ausschuss zur Sicherung 
der Gcsellschaft fiir notig erachtet. 

No. lo. V er'dnderung dieser Constitution. 

Eine Veranderung dieser Constitution kann nur durch Ueber- 
einstimmung von zwei Dritttheilen sammtlicher Mitglieder oder ihrer 
Stellvertreter gemacht werden. Ein Vorschlag zu einer Aenderung 
kann in jeder constitutionsmassigen Versammlung gemacht werden, 
ob ein solcher Vorschlag zur Abstimmung kommen soil oder nicht. 
Im Bejahungsfalle soil darauf der Vorschlag w^enigstens einen 
Monat vor der Abstimmung offentlich bekannt gemacht werden. 

Die Gcsellschaft kann durch ein Quorum der bezeichneten Mit- 
glieder Nebengesetze oder Regeln machen, w^elche jedoch dieser Con- 
stitution nicht entgegen sein diirfen, und diese sind stets in das Pro- 
tokoll der Gesellschaft einzutragen. 

No. II. 

Die Gesellschaft soil, sobald als es thunlich incorporirt werden. 

Julius Leupold, Prasident. Jacob Rommel 

Wilhelm Schmoele, Vice-Prasi- Peter Lion 

dent. Wilhelm Lemberger 

J. G. Wesselhoeft, Secretair. Johann Wittmann 

Fr. Liideking, Vice-Secretair. Thadaus Bruder 

C. G. Ritter Ernst Haas 

F. L. C. Gebhard Johann Heinrich Manerke 

W. H. Leupold Georg Schotten 

D. W. Wohlein Friederich Hoffmeister 
Adam Schmidt Christ. August Langguth 
Ferdinand Heirtz Christoph Metzger 
Johann Conrad Viereck Joseph Roller 

B. Schmitz Wilhelm Miiller 

John Bock John Heinr. Schwacke 

F. W. L. Kiderlen Adam Siedler 

Georg Riefenstahl Johannes Hirschmann 

Reinhold Koepf Johann Gronhardt 

Charles L. Eickhoff Friedrich Gemf 

Friedrich Kerschenbach Johann Oestreicher 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 



17 



Jacob Summ 

Friedrich Leonhard 

Matthaus Krautter 

Conrad Ferdinand Kiihne 

Johann Klumpp 

Georg Bader 

Adolph Hoehling 

Ferdinand Laackmann 

Heinrich Christian Schrader 

Mathias Birck 

Ludwig Sigrist 

Gustav Stiibgen 

Charles Pommer 

Jacob Mersinger 

Erhard Staffhorst 

M. J. Hiitz 

Jacob Knoll 

Michael A. Kerchner 

Heinrich Arnsfeld 

F. W. C. Seelhorst 

Adam Sengenberger 

Caspar Knodel 

William Henning 

Gottfried Krauss 

Johann Mayer 

Georg Benninghoff 

Jacob Ratheusen 

Wilhelm Betz 

Adam Maag 

C. W. Gronau 

C. F. Stottmeyer 

Ludwig Friedrich Niekerke 

Conrad Roos 

Wilhelm Kielmann 

Bernard Martin Meyer 

Johann F. Albrecht 

Carl M. Grahn 

Joseph Bodenhoefer 

Louis Ebstadt 

Josef Schmidt 

J. Heinrich Biihler 

Martin Stephan 

Alphonse Libermann 

Andreas Dold 

Albert Combernass 



Heinrich Kopken 
Peter Rau 

Friedrich Hoffmeister 
Bernhard Schmitz 
Joseph Schindler 
Wilhelm Tilg 
Joseph Nock 
Johann Harig 
F. W. Wilcke 
Sigmund Rutschmann 
Friedrich Georg Schaefifer 
C. Valetin Presser 
Konrad Liebach 
Christoph Valet 
Lewis Austermell 
Hermann Knop 
Heinrich Bachmann 
Georg Fischer 
C. L. Mayer 
Philipp Pfister 
H. Schmoele 
Michael Rohe 
Christian Tiemann 
Heinrich Gerker 
H. Wm. Echternacht 
Fr. Leupold 
Christ. Hasenpatt 
Johann Heinrich Lahring 
Georg Ruff 
John G. Finn 
George Duhring, Dr. M. 
Joseph Hiller 
Philipp Leidorff 
Joseph Engelbert 
Hermann Schniedewindt 
Franz Arnold 
Gottlob Laib 
Eduard Koch 
Herm. Curtius 
Friedrich Viereck 
F. G. Schreiber 
Franke Franksen 
Carl Pommer 
Wilhelm F. Pommer 
Heinrich Pommer 



i8 



The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 



Herman Schweizer 

Louis Golitz 

Gabriel Kowitzky Circovich 

Martin Rosienkiewicz 

L. A. WoUenweber 

Anna Maria Heiner 

Wm. Gellert 

P. W. Schmidt 

Jno. Friedr. Schmidt 

Jobs. Theiss 

Ferd. Riemann 

Wilhelm Schubert 

Johann Georg Zoller 

Johann Georg Zipperer 

Karl Becker 

F. V. Schrader 
Johannes Mayer 
Georg Herwig 
J. P. Abker 
Daniel Heinemann 
Friedrich Rebhun 
C. F. Heitzmann 
Fritz Leibrock 

P. Jacob Burkhard 
Henry Koch 

G. A. Fuss 
Friedrich Triebler 
Wilhelm Mohl 
Friedrich Kiihnholz 
Georg Schock 
Gottfried Ackermann 
Christoph Schafer 
Adam Valet 
Johannes Knoll 
Joseph Baumann 
Jacob Hagel 
Michael Hagel 
Michael Rothrang 
Wilhelm Leichmann 
Ulrich Stirnemann 
Abraham Jenny 
Johann Georg Zeller 
August Schrader 
Daniel Haberstock 
Kaspar Miiller 



Martin Petri 
Bernhard Schweickert 
Christian Klein 
Johann Horn 
Conrad Wagner 
Catherine Viereck 
Johann Lemberger 
Jacob Schiefer 
L. Sommerhalder 
F. H. Kilhne 
David Wittmann 
Eduard Seltzer 
Joseph Brunner 
August Ziegler 
Heinrich Gentner 

Friedrich Gentner 

Georg Supper 

Georg Bader 

Heinrich Roemer 

Friedrich Kaiser 

Christian Kraug 

Johann Grabner 

Carl Dithmer 

F. Gebhard 

Leonhard Jung 

August Horn 

Gottfried Krauss 

Carl Metzger 

John Hoffmann 

Leopold Eckhard 

Heinrich Rietze 

Job. Georg Beiszwanger 

Marie Ehzabeth Viereck 

Friedrich Gottlieb 

Louis Reiger 

Jacob Heinlein 

Franz Langendorfer 

G. F. Bayer 

Friedrich Bok 

Adam Martin 

John J. Schock 

Franz Schellenberg 

Fr. Leupold 
Heinrich Werkloe 
Julius Harnisch 



And its Colony^ Herviayin^ Missouri. 19 

H. Diedrichs G. H. Mittnacht 

Fred. Centner F. G. Kaltner 

G. H. Mecke Eleazar Demetrio Artemiews 

Georg Jacob Schneider Charles Libeau 

On the same evening that the constitution was adopted and 
signed, the newly created offices were filled. The following were 
the first officers : 

Prasident, Julius Leupold; 

Viceprasident, Dr. Wm. Schmoele; 

Secretair, J. G. Wesselhoeft; 

Vicesecretair, F. Liideking; 

Schatzmeister, Dr. Moehring ; 

Deputirte : C. v. Ferentheil, C. G. Ritter, F. L. C. Gebhard. 

Verwaltungsrath : J. C. Viereck, W. Feuring, Adam 
Schmidt, D. W. Wohlein, B. Schmitz, W. H. Leupold, J. Bock, 
F. Stark, F. W. L. Kiderlen. 

In passing, it should be noted that for some unexplained rea- 
son Dr. Moehring did not accept the office of treasurer. 

On September 26, Adam Schanidt, then a member of the 
Board of Managers, was chosen treasurer. The vacancy in the 
Board of Managers was filled by the election of C. Fommer. 

The meeting of August 27th was certainly a memorable one 
in the history of the society. Enthusiasm for the new cause was 
running high. One feels something of the feverish nature even 
in the records of the meeting. Letters of inquiry and commenda- 
tion seem tO' have arrived from various parts of the country. 
Everyone felt certain of the most glorious success. Before re- 
tiring from the position of temporary chairman, Dr. Wm. 
Schmoele delivered a fiery address. He gives a brief resume of 
the struggles of the organization. Then he speaks of the future : 

"Ja, wahrlich, deutsche Briider, wenn je etwas Crosses und 
Glanzendes fiir die deutsche Nation in diesen Freiheitslanden er- 
stehen soil, so muss diese Gesellschaft es warden. Sie traj^t den 



20 The Ge7vian Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Charakter des Grossartigen an sich. Sie ist eine reife Geburt des 
jetzig-en ereignissreichen Zeitgeistes, — durch sie ist an's Licht ge- 
treten, was in alien deutschen Gemiithern verborgen lebte und dun- 
kel gefiihlt ward. 

Einigung der Deutschen in Nordamerika, nnd dadurch die Be- 
grundung eines neuen deutschen Vaterlandes — das ist die hohe 
Aufgabe unserer Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft ! Danach muss, danach 
soil sie streben aus alien ihren Kraften und mit alien ihren Mitteln. 
In der Ausfiihrung des ganzen grossen Planes muss Jeder die Be- 
griindung seines eigenen Gliickes finden. Dann kann, dann muss, 
dann wird die Sache gedeihen zum Ruhme und zum Wohle der 
grossen deutschen Nation in Amerika's freiem Schosse."^^ 

At an extra session of the newly elected officers, two days 
after the new constiitution took effect, it was decided to take steps 
to make the movement general in the United States. The 
minutes record this resolution: 

"Der Verwaltungsrath der deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft 
ersucht diejenigen, welche Antheil an dieser Gesellschaft nehmen 
woUen, und namentlich die deutschen Einwohner Baltimore's, New 
York's, Pittsburg's etc. Zweig-Vereine zu griinden, die im Geiste 
unserer Constitution handeln, die Geschafte dort thun, und die Theil- 
nahme an dieser Gesellschaft dem Publikum erleichtern, die Gelder 
empfangen, der Central-Gesellschaft iiberliefern und dafiir Actien 
vom Verwaltungsrathe erhalten." 

The growth was indeed most encouraging. Less than two 
weeks after formal organization 350 shares had been sold. Under 
the date of September loth the secretary (who was also the edi- 
tor of the official organ of the society) comments thus: 

"Wir freuen uns unsern Lesern mittheilen zu konnen, dass diese 
Gesellschaft einen solchen Fortgang nimmt, der unsere Erwar- 
tungen weit iibertrifift. . . . Wir hoffen und wunschen, dass sie 
in diesem Geiste fortfahren und ein Bruder den andern auffordern 
moge, zu diesem grossen Zwecke nach Kraften beizutragen. . . . 
Mit Recht diirfen wir erwarten, dass unsere auswartigen Bruder 
Zweig-Vereine griinden und alles aufbieten werden zu diesem scho- 
nen Zwecke nach Kraften mitzuwirken." 



" Alte und Neue Welt, Sept. 3, 1836. This paper will hereafter be refer- 
red to as A. & N. W. 



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Andits Colony, Hermann, Missotcri. 21 

2. Various Opinions Regarding the Society. 

That the movement caused a great stir among the Germans 
in all sections of this country, as well as in Europe, is attested 
by the great number of press notices it received. Not all of 
these comments were favorable— far from it. Nevertheless they 
prove that the public was interested. 

Immediately after the organization of the society the Allge- 
meine Zeitung of New York comments on the wisdom and far- 
sightedness of the organization. It approves most heartily the 
scheme of forming a stock company for this laudable enterprise. 
It recommends it warmly to all Germans. The editor enumer- 
ates its advantages in these enthusiastic terms : 

, "Betrachten wir die Vereinigten Staaten in ihrem jetzigen Auf- 
bliihen, in dem beispiellosen Fortschreiten aller ihrer yolksthiini- 
lichen Unternehmungen, und erwagen wir dabei, wie viel Antheil 
daran die Deutschen haben und wie wenig sie im Grunde davon 
geniessen, wenn wir uns den Deutschen als Deutschen denken; 
Ziehen wir ferner in Betracht, wie das Bestreben der Deutschen nach 
und nach erwacht, um sich ihre Rechte als Biirger zu sichern, um 
ihre herrliche Sprache zu erhalten und da, wo die Mehrzahl Deutsche 
sind, vor den Gerichtshofen geltend zu machen, so miissen wir bei 
der Masse der hier zu Lande lebenden Deutschen und bei dem steten 
Drange der Einwanderungen, eine Gesellschaft, wie die obige ist, 
als eine sehr erfreuliche, als eine hochst zeitgemasse Erscheinung 
betrachten. Sie giebt den hier Wohnenden eine Gelegenheit, sich 
naher zu verbinden, die Elemente des deutschen Lebens zu unter- 
stutzen und zu verbreiten, wissenschaftliches Bestreben zu fordern, 
jedes Grosse und Schone, so weit es hier anwendbar ist, vom Vater- 
lande hierher zu verpflanzen, dem deutschen Einwanderer gleich bei 
seinem Eintritt in die Vereinigten Staaten eine Heimath anzuweisen, 
wo er sich heimischer, als alleinstehend, fiihlt, und wo ihm bei Fleiss 
und Sparsamkeit ein Wirkungskreis angewiesen wird, in welchem 
er sich bald eine Unabhangigkeit zu erwerben vermag, welches, 
muss er erst lange darnach suchen, ihm oft schwer fallt. Wir 
kennen den Stand der deutschen Einwanderer, wir wissen, welche 
Kampfe ihrer oft warten und wie Viele im Kampfe erliegen. An- 
ders wird es sein, wenn er weiss, dass er einer Colonie zueilt, wo er 
befreundete Seelen findet, welche ihn mit Rath und That unter- 
stiitzen konnen."^^ 



" A. und N. W., of Sept. 17, 1836. 



22 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

The Freiheitsfreund of Chambersburg-, Pa., supports the 
movement in these words : 

"Die Deutsche Ansiedkmgs-Gesellschaft hat gewiss die Auf- 
merksamkeit aller Deutschen und AbkommHnge von Deutschen auf 
sich gezogen und durch das Grossartige des Unternehmens und 
durch die Vortheile die fiir den Reichen sowohl als fiir den Armen 
daraus zu fliessen versprechen, ist wohl jedes biedere deutsche Herz 
mit Wonne und stolzem Nationalgefiihl beseelt worden. Durch ein 
thatiges und strengvereintes Zusammenwirken der Deutschen muss 
das wohl durchdachte und weishch geordnete Unternehmen gedei- 
hen und fur uns und unsere Kinder die herrHchsten Friichte brin- 
gen. Selbst dem Aermsten ist Gelegenheit gegeben, daran Antheil 
zu nehmen. Kann er sich keine Actie kaufen, so kann er sich eine 
durch Fleiss und Sparsamkeit verdienen.''^^ 

From Lancaster, Ohio, we find a letter, ^^ not so unreserv- 
edly enthusiastic. This letter is signed, "Freunde der Ansied- 
lungs-Gesellschaft." The writers are somewhat informed as to 
the purpose of the society. They express themselves as ready to 
support it. But they entertain some doubts, which they desire 
to have dispersed, and some wishes they would have considered. 
Their inquiries were not kindly received by the Philadelphians. 
Nevertheless there was more saneness in their doubts than the 
society would admit. They spoke as men who had endured the 
hardships and privations of pioneer life themselves. Experience 
had taught them many a valuable lesson. They wanted to know 
how the society proposed to carry out its lofty plans, when 
broug-ht face to face with facts and reality. They abandoned 
the visionary views and brought in figures to substantiate their 
claims. It appears that the plan of the society was not accurately 
understood, for these same Ohioans fear "eine Gesellschaft a la 
Rapp." They also raised the very important question how the 
members living outside of Philadelphia should be enabled to vote 
on vital questions. If the society attained to the importance its 



*M. und N. W., of Sept. 17, 1836. 
" A. und N. W., of Oct. i, 1836. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 23 

supporters prophesied for it, it must be self-evident that the 
greater number of members must Hve away from the mother 
society. These and other suggestions and queries, which we be- 
lieve were made in all sincerity, aroused the displeasure of the 
Philadelphians, and called forth a cutting, and, as it appears to 
us, unmerited rebuke. Perhaps the best suggestion they offered 
was that the greatest care should be given to choose an advan- 
tageous location for the settlement. In another part of this 
work it will be shown how vital this question was. The com- 
munication concludes thus : 

"Man wahle eine gute Lage, gesundes Klima, gutes Land ; man 
biete den deutschen Ansiedlern reelle Vortheile an, und die Popu- 
laritat des Planes thut alles Uebrige."^^ 

Many letters appear containing the tone of the communica- 
tion of Carl Backhaus in Cincinnati, Ohio : 

■ "Welches deutsche Gemiith sollte nicht mit ganzem Eifer der 
Seele zur Griindung einer Anstalt behiilflich sein wollen, in deren 
wirklichem und baldigem Entstehen allein die sicherste Biirgschaft 
liegt, deutschen Fleiss, deutsche Geschicklichkeit und vor Allem 
deutsche Biederkeit, Redlichkeit und Treue, so wie das kostlichste, 
unsere theure Muttersprache, unverfalscht und rein unsern Nach- 
kommen hinterlassen zu konnen?"^^ 

We could heap up evidence of the interest aroused for the 
undertaking. We shall, however, content ourselves with citing 
only a few more instances. 

The Anzeiger des Westens, of St. Louis, was not a strong 
supporter of the society. This is shown by an article of October 
I, 1836, in which its tone is far from being complimentary. This 
may have been due to the fact that Illinois was then favorably 
discussed as the site of the colony. At a later time the Anzeiger 



" A. und N. W., of Oct. i, 1836. 
" A. und N. W., of Oct. 22, 1836. 



24 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Stepped into line with the enthusiastic defenders and supporters 
of the society. 

In the New Yorker Staatszeitung the organization found, 
from the first, a bitter opponent. In number 52 of the year 1836 
this paper issued an article whose basic thought might well be 
expressed in these terse words: 

"AUes was besteht 

1st werth dass es zu Grunde geht." 

This paper seems to have remained the avowed enemy of 
the society. Its scathing articles elicited the bitterest sort of 
replies on the part of the supporters of the plan. It does not 
stand to reason that such a position, by a strong press, should 
not irreparably injure the undertaking, particularly in New 
York, a stronghold of German Americans, and that at a time 
when perfect harmony and united, quick action was most essen- 
tial to its success. 

It will be interesting to note how this movement was looked 
upon by the European Germans. We fortunately have pre- 
served in the Alte und Neue Welt the expressions of at least two 
prominent individuals. One is a letter by Dr. J. Fr. Hennicke, 
editor of Der Allgemeine Anzeiger der Deutschen in Gotha}"^ 
The letter was addressed to J. G. Wesselhoeft. It reads as fol- 
lows: 

"Ihre freundliche Zuschrift vom 28. Januar, die am 9. Marz 
in meinen Handen war, hat mich sehr erfreut und ich sage Ihnen 
dafiir meinen verbindlichen Dank. Wie sehr ich die edlen Bemii- 
hungen der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zu wiirdigen und 
ihren menschenfreundlichen Zweck zu beurtheilen weiss, ist einiger- 
massen aus meiner Nachschrift ersichtlich. Mochten doch deutsche 
Regierungen oder wenigstens einzelne edle Deutsche die Wichtig- 
keit des Unternehmens einsehen und es kraftig zu unterstiitzen 
suchen. Ich fiir meinen Wirkungskreis werde Manner von Einsicht 
und Einfluss darauf aufmerksam machen und ich habe damit bereits 
begonnen." 



' A. und N. IV., of June 9, 1838. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missojiri. 25 

In the columns of his paper Hennicke comments most favor- 
ably. After publishing a circular sent out by the Board of Man- 
agers at Philadelphia, he continues thus: 

"Die von menschenf reundlichen Deutschen in Philadelphia ge- 
stiftete Ansiediungs-Gesellschaft beabsichtigt einen hohen, edlen 
Zweck, welcher der kraftigen Unterstiitzung, nicht nur von Seiten 
gemeinniitzig denkender Deutschen, sondern auch einzelner Staats- 
regierungen, aus deren Gebieten jahrlich zahlreiche Schaaren, ohne 
durchdachten Plan und nur auf gut Gliick, nach Nordamerika aus- 
wandern, in mehreren, hier nicht naher zu bezeichnenden Riick- 
sichten, wiirdig ist. Die Bemijhungen jener Gesellschaft verdienen 
aber um so mehr die dankbarste Anerkennung und thatige Unter- 
stiitzung, da ahnliche, in Deutschland, namentlich in Sachsen und 
in Hessen-Darmstadt, vorziiglich in Dresden wiederholt versuchte 
Unternehmungen ohne erwiinschten Erfolg geblieben sind. Gleich- 
wohl verdienen die vielen Tausende, die jahrlich nach Amerika aus- 
wandern, die leitende und unterstiitzende Hand der Regierungen. 
Vielleicht entschliesst sich noch eine oder die andere, in die von 
Dresden aus mitgetheilten und im Allgemeinen Anzeiger der Deut- 
schen vollstandig bekannt gemachten gemeinniitzigen Ansiedlungs- 
plane einzugehen und sie entweder in ihrem ganzen Umfange oder 
nach ihren wesentlichen Theilen in Ausfiihrung zu bringen. Was 
der edle William Penn im Jahre 1681 so grossartig, thatig und mit 
gliicklichem Erfolg begann, das sucht nun in unseren Zeiten eine 
Gesellschaft biederer Manner nach einem durchdachten, menschen- 
freundlichen Plane fortzusetzen.''^^ 

A communication by Advokat F. G. Sprewitz, of Lauen- 
burg on the Elbe, will be inserted later in its proper place. 

3. Growth of the Society. 

From the consideration of what the public thought of the 
organization we pass on to a study of its inner and outer devel- 
opment. 

The Administrative Board (Verwaltungs-Rath), which 
was provided by the constitution, was elected, as was pointed out. 
on August 27, 1836. Their first meeting was held on September 



'M. und N. W., of June 9, 1838. 



26 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

7th. At this meeting they effected their inner organization by 
electing the following officers : 

J. C. Viereck, Vorsitzer; 

V. \\ . L. Kiderlen, Sprecher; 

W. H. Leupold, Sekretair. 

Just what the duties of the "Sprecher" were cannot be 
stated. Perhaps he had some of the powers of an attorney. The 
city register of that time gives Mr. Kiderlen's name as member 
of the firm of Kiderlen & Stollmeyer, book sellers. 

The first duty which this body considered was the safe de- 
posit of the funds of the society. It was unanimously agreed to 
recommend to the main body that the money be placed in the 
Girard Trust Company, "wegen ihrer anerkannten Solidete," 
and because it was said "dass einer der Gehiilfen in besagter 
Anstalt 'Deutsch' sprache." This recommendation, however, 
was not acted upon favorably until November 3d, when the soci- 
ety voted to remove the funds from the Bank of Pennsylvania to 
the Girard Trust Company. 

Inflated by the many favorable reports that came in, and 
foreseeing unprecedented prosperity, the members believed that 
Congress would be only too willing to lend a helping hand. Ac- 
cordingly, on September 26th, Mr. Kiderlen offered the follow- 
ing motion : 

"Dass die Gesellschaft bei dem Congress darum nachsuchen 
solle, dass dieser ihr soviel Congressland, als die Gesellschaft wiin- 
sche und wo sie es wiinsche, auf Credit verkaufen moge." 

Only the intercession of a Congressman from Pennsylvania, 
who was a friend of the society, prevented the blunder of such 
an appeal. This resolution confirmed again what was said con- 
cerning the opinion of the possibilities of this undertaking. 

It will be remembered that the question of branch societies 
was early and frequently discussed. As early as November 3, 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouti. 27 

1836, we meet with the confirmation that an auxiliary was estab- 
lished at Albany, New York. And later in the same month Bal- 
timore reports a like organization. Concerning the inner work- 
ings of the Albany branch we are, unfortunately, left almosit 
totally uninformed. Some of the minutes of the Baltimore soci- 
ety have come down to us. We know the Baltimore officers to 
have been Christoph A. Medinger, President; G. H. Mittnacht, 
Secretary; Johannes Berger, Treasurer. Most of these men be- 
came quite prominent in the society later on. At a later period 
Pittsburg also had a branch society. 

The auxiliaries were, of course, under the restrictions of the 
general constitution. Regarding the disposition of the money 
collected by the auxiliaries for shares, etc., the Board of Man- 
agers passed the following order on November 17th: 

"Sobald eine Summe von wenigstens Einhundert Dollars einge- 
gangen ist, soil ein Bank Check of New York, payable to the Presi- 
dent of the German Settlement Society Julius Leupold or order — 
eingesandt werden : woriiber nach specifirter Angabe der respectiven 
Namen, in der deutschen Zeitung Neue und Alte Welt quittirt wer- 
den soil." 

Mjreat activity was also manifested in New Orleans, Mon- 
treal, Cleveland, Cincinnati and other cities of the Union, but we 
have no proof that other auxiliaries than the three above-named 
existed. 

Early in December of 1836 the Board of Managers recom- 
mended most heartily the advertising of the plan of colonization 
through the medium of newspapers in Germany, The thirteen 
publications which they regarded as best adapted to these adver- 
tisements were the following : 

Die Bremer Zeitung, 

Der Hamburger Correspondent, 

Die Dorf zeitung, 

Anzeiger der Deutschen in Gotha, 

Das Frankfurter Journal, 



28 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Der Schwdhische Merkur, 
Die Aiigsburgcr Allg. Zeitiing, 
Dcr Schzveizerbote, 
Die Speyrer Zeitung, 
Die Preussische Staatszeitung, 
Elberf elder Zeitung, 
Breslauer Zeitung, 
Karlsruher Zeitung. 

The main body sanctioned this plan, but decided to delay 
its execution until the purchase of property had been effected. 

Previous to this, Nos. 43-45 of the Alte und Neue Welt 
of 1836 contain a most interesting article enumerating the pos- 
sible and probable advantages accruing from sharing in this 
undertaking. It was signed by the president and secretary and 
the nine members of the Board of Managers. At its close this 
request was subjoined: 

"Alle deutschen Zeitungen werden ersucht obige Anzeige fur 
2 Thaler 3 Mai in ihre resp. Blatter einzuriicken," 

After pointing out that the society had been making slow 
but sure and successful advancement, the article said : 

"Daher laden wir alle deutschen Briider aller Orten freund- 
lichst ein Mitglieder dieser grossartigen National-Unternehmung zu 
werden."i» 

The chief advantages of this society over others, this ar- 
ticle proceeds to delineate under four principal heads : 

I. Absolute equality of the rights and privileges of all 
members. 

Detailed under this head stands this : 

"Jedes Mitglied der Gesellschaft bekommt ausser einer eigen- 



" A. und N. W., of Oct. 22, 1836. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 29 

thiimlichen Stadtlotte fiir jede Actie noch das Miteigenthum am 
ganzen Vermogen der Gesellschaft, durch welches nicht nur eine 
Menge Vortheile durch gemeinschaftliche Anlagen von Dorfschaf- 
ten, Fabriken, Manufacturer!, Schulen u. s. w., sondern hochst wahr- 
scheinUch auch eine immerwahrende Freiheit von Taxen und Schul- 
geld fiir alle MitgHeder bewirkt werden kann." 

2. The number of participants which this movement is sure 
to have : 

"Je schneller und starker die Bevolkerung einer Gegend wachst, 
und besonders eine fleissige und ausdauernde Bevolkerung wie die 
deutsche, desto raschere Fortschritte macht sie an Reichthum und 
Bluthe." 

3. The capital of the society is always secure, being in- 
vested in real estate: 

"Die MitgHeder der Gesellschaft haben daher nie Grund zu be- 
fiirchten, dass je ihre Einlage konnte verloren gehen — dagegen 
haben sie vollen Grund zu hoffen, dass ihr Kapital mehr als tausend 
Procent Zinsen tragen wird!" 

4. The poor man can pay for his shares by working for the 
society. 

Early in 1837 steps were taken to become incorporated un- 
der the lav/s of the State of Pennsylvania. 

The question of prime importance appeared now to be the 
acquisition of land. This is but natural, for upon this choice 
depended, in a great measure, the success or failure of the enter- 
prise. It was evident that many persons declined to join because 
the site for the colony had not been determined upon. It became 
difficult to solicit new shareholders, and also difficult to hold 
those members who were growing lukewarm. Illinois, Indiana, 
Pennsylvania and Missouri had long been considered as having 
suitable locations. On January 5, 1837, the Province Tamulipas 
in Old Merico was recommended to the society. A committee 
of nine investigated the claims of this locality, and reported 
favorably on the strength of the information at their command, 



30 The Germa7i Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

but recx>mmended more minute inquiry. This action did not find 
favor with President Leupold, however. Quite autocratically 
he ruled that further inquiry be dispensed with, holding it as the 
opinion, "es sei nie der Plan der Gesellschaft gewesen eine An- 
siedlung ausserhalb der Vereinigten Staaten zu griinden." For 
this dictatorial, flat-footed decision he was compelled to offer 
apologies later. Nevertheless he succeeded in checking, most 
effectually, all attempts to extend the landed interests of the 
society beyond the borders of the United States. After this ab- 
rupt and rather disagreeable decision, which almost had the 
result of bringing about a serious rupture between the rulers 
and the ruled of the society, the Verwaltungs-Rath issued the 
following recommendation : 

"Nach naherer Priifung und Ueberlegung, nach Erwagung der 
Vor- und Nachtheile des Bodens, Climas, Communication etc. kam 
der Verwaltungs-Rath zu dem Resultate, dass alle anderen Kosten 
zu sparen und folgende Staaten nur zu bereisen ihm als zweck- 
massig erscheine: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, 
Wisconsin, Indiana, der ostliche Theil Michigan's und der westliche 
Theil New York's." 

Early in March, C. G. Ritter was commissioned to go to 
Washington to confer with certain land agents, but more partic- 
ularly to make inquiry at the government land office and even to 
apply to Congress for information and to actually appeal for its 
assistance. It will be recalled that Mr. Ritter was one of the 
deputies elected on August 27, 1836. Hence the action of this 
body was stayed until his return. He returned on the nth of 
March and reported to the Board of Managers. He had gained 
much valuable information, but, as a matter of course, had not 
interviewed the Congress of the United States. Now the society 
decided, encouraged by recent information, to authorize the 
deputies to visit these States and Territories, viz. : Illinois, In- 
diana, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin. It was also urged that 
the representatives set out on their long and difficult journey in 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 31 

the early part of April, "da Aufschub nur Erkaltung zu Folge 
haben wiirde." Dr. Wm. Schmoele, G. F. Bayer and Fr. Klett 
were appointed to draft a set of instructions for the government 
of the deputies. 

On April 14, 1837, they set out on their wearisome journey. 
They departed with this last word of instruction from the Board 
of Managers: 

"Beschlossen : Dass die Deputirten zuerst in die Gegend des 
Wabash gehen, um die Landereien daselbst in Augenschein zu neh- 
men, und von dort aus direkt nach dem Staate Missouri, wo sie ent- 
weder von Jefferson City, oder von St. Louis aus an den Verwal- 
tungs-Rath Bericht erstatten sollen, wie das Resultat ihrer Unter- 
suchungen in den Staaten Indiana, Illinois und Missouri ausgefal- 
len ist." 

The following are the instructions of the deputies, sub- 
scribed to by the parties concerned : 

Instruction fiir die reisenden Deputirten der Deutschen Ansied- 

lungs-Gesellschaft. 

Da Sie seit der Griindung der Gesellschaft Mitglieder derselben 
waren und daher Gelegenheit batten, mit dem Geiste, dem Streben, 
so wie den gegenwartigen und kiinftigen Mitteln der Gesellschaft 
sich genau bekannt zu machen; so wird von Ihnen vorausgesetzt, 
dass Sie den Endzweck Ihrer Sendung vollkommen richtig ver- 
stehen. 

Ihr Auftrag ist kurz follgender: 
, ^Sie sollen in den durch einen Beschluss der Gesellschaft vom 
16. Marz bestimmten und namhaft gemachten Staaten und Terri- 
torien namlich : Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin und Michigan, 
einen fiir die Ansiedlung der Gesellschaft passenden Landstrich auf- 
suchen und den moglichst vortheilhaften Ankauf desselben nach ein- 
geholter Instruction vom Verwaltungs-Rathe, einleiten. 

Den Plan fiir Ihre Reise, die Wahl und Lage des Landes und 
alle andern' dahin sich beziehenden Punkte miissen Ihnen, als den 
auserwahlten Sachverstandigen zur Bestimmung iiberlassen bleiben. 

In formeller Hinsicht hat der Verwaltungs-Rath die Bestim- 
mung gemacht, Ihnen die genaue Fiihrung eines Tagebuches iiber 
alle Ihre Arbeiten, Reisen, Ansichten und Urtheile in Beziehung auf 
ihre Sendung zur Pflicht zu machen. 



32 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Femer sind Sie beauftragt, so oft Sie es fiir nothwendig er- 
achten, mindestens aber alle 8 Tage ein Mai, Bericht zu erstatten, 

Hinsichtlich Ihrer Ausgaben und Reisekosten haben Sie sich 
an die von der Gesellschaft gemachten Bestimmungen zu halten, 
namlich folgende : 

I.) Laut Beschluss der Gesellschaft vom 25. Marz erhalten Sie 
alle drei bei Ihrer Abreise baar $450.00 (vierhundert und fiinfzig 
dollars), also jeder $150.00 und konnen Sie ausserdem durch eine 
Bank in St. Louis oder Cincinnati $450.00 beziehen. 

2.) Laut Beschluss der Gesellschaft vom 6. April erhalt ein 
jeder von Ihnen $5.00 per Tag wahrend Ihrer Reise von der Ge- 
sellschaft. 

3.) Alle Extra- Auslagen oder Opfer, welche Sie bei provisori- 
scher Abschliessung von Contracten fiir die Gesellschaft zu bringen 
fiir nothig erachten werden, sollen Ihnen von der Gesellschaft vvieder 
vergiitet werden, jedoch diirfen diese Auslagen nicht die Summe 
von $500.00 (fiinf hundert dollars) iibersteigen. 

''' 4.) Sie werden angewiesen, bei Auswahl des Landes nur Grund- 
eigenthum im Bereich eines schifbaren Flusses zu beriicksichtigen, 
und von diesem Lande muss wenigstens so vie] am Flusse selbst ge- 
legen sein, um darauf eine Handelsstadt griinden zu konnen. 

"^5.) Sie haben nur auf eine Strecke Landes zu reflectiren, welche 
nicht weniger als 25,000 (fiinf und zwanzig tausend) Acker in sich 
fasst. 

6.) Zur Bestreitung der Ihnen wahrend Ihrer Reise vorste- 
henden Auslagen wird Ihnen vom Verwaltungs-Rathe ein Credit 
von $950.00 (dollars neun hundred und fiinfzig) in St. Louis oder 
Cincinnati erofifnet. 

7.) Sie werden angewiesen in jedem Ihrer Briefe dem Ver- 
waltungs-Rathe zu bemerken an welchem Orte Sie dessen Antwor- 
ten entgegensehen wollen. 

'' 8.) Sie werden angewiesen bei der Auswahl des Landes beson- 
ders zu beriicksichtigen, dass Getreide- Wein- und Obstbau, wie 
Vieh- und Schafzucht mit Vortheil betriebeh werden konnen. 

Zu Ihrer Organisation soli nach Ihrer eigenen Wahl ein Mit- 
glied als Vorsitzer Ihre Berathungen und Untersuchungen leiten, 
ein anderes als buchfiihrender und das dritte als correspondirender 
Secretair agiren. 



A7id its Colony^ He?'7nami, Missouri. 33 

Diese Instructionen sind in duplo ausgefertigt und von beiden 
Theilen wohl verstanden und genehmigt worden. 
So geschehen. Philadelphia am loten April 1837. 

/. Leupold, Prasident. 

/. G. Wesselhoeft, Secretair. 

Adam Schmidt, Schatzmeister. 

G, F. Bayer, 

J. C. Viereck, 

E. W. Wohlein, ) Verwaltungs-Rath. 
Wm. Feuring, 
C. Staffhorst, 

C. Ferentheil, \ 

C. G. Ritter, \ Deputirte 

F. L. C. GehhardS 



With the departure of the deputies enthusiasm was more 
aglow than ever. An actual step had been taken towards the ac- 
complishment of the great undertaking. The optimists were 
now certain of success. The pessimists were at least silenced. 

It was also deemed prudent to supplement the constitution 
with two amendments. Paragraph II was now made to read 
thus : 

"Die Gesellschaft wird auf Actien gegriindet von welchen jede 
im ersten Tausend fiinfundzwanzig und jede im zweiten dreissig 
Thaler kosten soil ; jedoch soil nach Ankauf des Landes der Preis 
von den noch nicht verkauften Actien von dem Verwaltungs-Rathe 
vorgeschlagen und von der Gesellschaft bestimmt werden." 

This was 'done on May the 4th, 1837. Oi^ J'^^J 6, 1837, a 
much more radical amendment was passed upon : 

"Wo es erwaesen werden kann dass ein Mitglied zum Nachtheil 
der Gesellschaft spricht, schreibt oder druckt, mit einem Wort, der 
Gesellschaft oder ihrem giiten Fortgang sic schaden sucht, soil es 
der Gesellschaft frei stehen, ein solches Mitglied — wenn es die 
Mehrheit wiinscht — aus der Gesellschaft auszuschliessen. Doch 
behalt sich die Gesellschaft vor, tiber die Art und Weise wie dies 
geschehen und namentlich wie viel einem solchen Mitglied von den 
eingezahlten Geldern abgezogen werden soil, naher zu bestimmen." 



34 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

This amendment was destined to cause a great deal of un- 
pleasantness and demanded many explanations. For instance, 
the editor of the Altc und Neue Welt was compelled to write 
many articles in its defence. One, the most memorable, he 
prefaces : "Wer reines Herzens ist, hat das Gesetz nicht zu fiirch- 
ten, und wer seine Stimme in die Wagschale der Mehrheit bei der 
Gesetzgebung legte, hat nicht Ursache iiber Tyrannei zu kla- 
gen."'" The point of contention was, of course, that the mem- 
bers interpreted it as an encroachment on their freedom of 
speech. Though much was said for and against it, the law re- 
mained unchanged. But the records show no account of its 
enforcement or any expulsions. 

The instructions required the deputies to report at least 
once every week to the society. Naturally these reports were 
looked forward to with great interest. Their first letter arrived 
from Cincinnati on May the 4th, and their second one from 
St. Louis May the 3isit. From this last date to July the 3d 
not a word was heard from the men. It was manifestly impos- 
sible to live up to the letter of their instruction. Their investi- 
gation carried them far from all established mail routes. Per- 
haps, too, they did not have much to report. Their friends were, 
of course, much concerned as to their welfare and whereabouts. 
The Board of Managers had already prepared to issue a call of 
inquiry, giving minute descriptions of the men and stating thej^ 
mission, appealing to their western friends for co-operation in 
clearing up this mysterious disappearance. The letter of July 3d 
explained the silence completely. It was evident that letters 
Nos. 3 and 4 had been lost or delayed. The content of these let- 
ters, which arrived later, was kept a profound secret. Only the 
Board of Managers was initiated into its secrets. Even yet we 
do not know the full amount of information or description they 
contained. This is very much to be regretted. Doubtless they 



"^. und N. W., of August 12, 1837, 



A7id its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 35 

contained many interesting items. But unfortunately they are 
lost, and what the deputies held as their opinion regarding Illi- 
nois, Indiana, or any other region they may have visited, must 
remain a secret. In their final report not a syllable occurs to 
satisfy our curiosity concerning their experiences. 

On July 1 2th, Ritter and Gebhard returned. Ferentheil, 
who remained on business in Pittsburg, was delayed four days 
by a break of the canal, arriving on July i6th. 

The members were, of course, extremely anxious to hear 
the detailed account of their representatives. Much dissatisfac- 
tion prevailed because the content of the previous reports had 
been withheld from them. The reason for withholding the 
specific information from the general public was well founded. 
It was simply to prevent conniving land agents and unprincipled 
speculators from foiling their plans. This was, however, not 
well understood by the members. Many of them were only too 
ready to suspect foul play. On July 17th the deputies submitted 
their complete report, which reads as follows: 

Allgemeiner Bcricht liber das von den Deputirtcn der Dcntschen 
Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zur Ansiedlung als geeignet vorge- 
schlagene Land. 

Das Land liegt im Missouri Staate, an zwey schiffbaren Fliis- 
sen. Das zur Anlage einer Stadt am besten geeignete Land fangt 
auf dem rechten Ufer des einen Flusses, etwa 5 Meilen von dessen 
Miindung in den anderen Fluss, an. Der erstere Fluss wird bis jetzt 
nur bis auf etwa 5 Meilen von dessen Mundung mit Dampfschiffen 
befahren. Im Friihjahr diirften Dampfbote auch hoher hinauf gehen 
konnen, doch nur eine kurze Zeit. Versuche sind bis daher noch 
nicht gemacht worden. Das rechte Ufer dieses Flusses ist bis auf 
5 Meilen von dessen Miindung fast durchgangig so hoch, dass es 
gegen Ueberschwemmungen gesichert sein soil, wie von einem 20 
Jahre an diesem Flusse bereits wohnenden Manne versichert wurde, 
wenn nicht Wasserschwellungen, wie bei Cincinnati vor einigen 
Jahren der Fall war, eintreten. Oberhalb stosst an das eben beschrie- 
bene Land ein etwa 5 Meilen langer von >^ bis i Meile breiter Bot- 
tom. An der Miindung des Flusses fangen steile, steinigte Ufer an, 
die sich auch an dem andern Flusse hinziehen. Das linke Ufer ist 



36 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

fast durchgangig- niedriger als das rechte tind darum auch wenig 
geeignet zur Anlage einer Stadt. Um indess fremden Anlagen nier- 
gends Raum zu geben, ist nothwendig, dass sich die Gesellschaft 
nicht nur den Besitz beider Ufer des Flusses, von dessen Miindung 
bis auf etwa 9 Meilen hinauf, sichert, sondern sich auch den Besitz 
des Ufers an dem andern Fkisse, an beiden Seiten der Miindung so 
weit sichert, dass an der Miindung nie eine fremde Anlage Platz 
nehmen kann. 

Zunachst dem Flusse ist das Land bis auf eine halbe Meile etwa 
durchschnittlich, auf dem rechten Ufer meist eben und sehr gut. 
Auf dem Hnken Ufer sind einige kleine, steile Stellen. Die ganze 
Gegend ist ausserdem gebrochen und zum Theil stark hiigelich. An 
den Bachen findet sich iiberall einiges Bottom Land. Das Hiigelland 
ist theilweise sehr gut und so auch einige grosse Bergflachen, wie 
der Baumwuchs, die Baumarten und das hin und wieder gefundene 
Getreide beweisen. Ist das Land nicht iiberall durchaus giinstig 
fiir den Ackerbau, so ist es um so besser fiir Grasswuchs und also 
fiir die Viehzucht. Meist in der ganzen Gegend findet sich Kalk- 
stein. Eisenerz soil viel da seyn. Die Bleimienen sind nicht ent- 
fernt und also moglich, dass sich auch in der besagten Gegend dieses 
Metall findet. Die wenigen in der Gegend vorgefundenen Obst- 
baume haben einen sehr guten Wuchs. Weinbau wird wahrschein- 
lich gedeihen, wenn das Land mehr angebaut ist. Quellen sind in 
dieser Gegend mehr als in anderen Gegenden. An dem rechten 
Ufer, da, wo die Stadt anzulegen ist, sind nur 2 Platze, die zusammen 
220 Acker messen und die die Eigner fiir den Preis von 15 Doll, 
per Acker zum Verkauf anbieten, aber gewiss mit einem geringeren 
Preis zufrieden seyn werden. 

Ab vom Ufer auf 4 und mehreren Meilen liegen nur einige 
kleine Farmereien, welche die Gesellschaft nicht nothwendig kaufen 
miisste ; alles andere Land ist bis auf kleine Strecken Congress-Land. 
Im siidlichen Theile des Counties sind mehr Ansiedlungen, aber auch 
da ist noch viel Congressland vorhanden. Auf dem linken Ufer, das 
Bottom-Land am Flusse ausgenommen, ist das Land weniger gut 
als auf dem rechten Ufer, doch ist auch da noch einiges gute Con- 
gress-Land zu finden. Am linken Ufer des Flusses ist eine kleine 
Farm, deren Besitz fiir die Gesellschaft wichtig ist." 

Whether the deputies did or did not follow their instruction 
to visit Michigan and Wisconsin cannot be stated. Neither do 
we know what was the result of their investigation along the 
Wabash. 

It is indeed an interesting problem why Missouri should 



And its Colony, Her?na7in, Missouri. 37 

have been selected. It must be remembered that Missouri was 
a slave state and that the German mind had a natural antipathy 
for the institution of slavery. Other States, in free territory, 
had land at just as hberal terms as Missouri. It must not be. 
overlooked, however, that one prime factor in the instructions 
issued to the agents of the society was that they should considerj 
only such sections as were adjacent to a navigable river. For 
this reason, no doubt, the Wabash and the Missouri were speci- 
fically mentioned. We would further venture the assertion that 
Missouri was more in the public mind than the other sections 
suggested for the colony. It wasj^et^onJhej^eixJrQniier. The 
struggle which ended in the Missouri Compromise was not 
forgotten. The Mormon settlement of 1832 in western Missouri 
gave notoriety. Undoubtedly Gottfried Duden's idealized ac- 
count of his paradisiacal trans-Mississippi home, published under 
the ponderous title: "Bericht uber eine Reise nach den westli- 
chen Staaten Nordamerikas und einem mehrjdhrigen Aufenthalt 
am Missouri {in den Jahren 1824, 25, 26 und 27) in Bezug auf 
Auswanderung und Urhevolkerung, oder: Das Leben im Inner en 
der Vereinigten Staaten und dessen Bedeutung fUr die hdusliche 
und politische Lage der Europaer, dargestellt, a.) in einer 
Samnilung von Brief en, b.) in einer besonderen Abhandlung 
iiber den politischen Zustdnden der nordamerikanischen Frei- 
staaten, mid c.) in einem rathgebenden Nachtrag fur auswan- 
dernde deutsche Ackerzvirthe und Diejenigen, welche auf Hand- 
unternehmungen denken, von Gottfried Duden, pointed like a 
giant index to Missouri, for the first edition was scattered far 
and wide among the eager readers of Gennany. Furthermore, 
just one year previous to the organization of the Deutsche An- 
siedlungs-Gesellschaft, Tr. Bromme published, at Baltimore, with 
E. Scheld & Co., his book : Missouri eine geographische — sta- 
tistische — topographische Skizse fiir Einwanderer und Freunde 
der Lander- und Volkerkunde, 1835. This author, too, is quite 
liberal with his praises. He discusses various portions of the 



38 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

State as especially fitted for German settlements. He depicts in 
bright colors Missouri's natural resources. We can easily con- 
ceive how his description of a wild grape vine 36 inches in cir- 
cumference would provoke comment among his German readers. 
Nor does it require a very vivid fantasy to imagine that a de- 
scription of a veritable Eden w'ould be perused with interest. On 
page 37 Bromme says, speaking of Missouri's population : 

"Auch hier findet man die Bewohner aller Lander Europas und 
der Union vereinigt, keiner sehnt sich zuriick in die fruheren Ver- 
haltnisse und das Gross der Bevolkerung lebt gliicklich und zufrie- 
den. Was sollte auch ein Missourier vermissen ! Er bewohnt ein 
reiches, fruchtbares Land, welches er um den geringen Preis von 
134 Dollar von der Regierung, oder, je nachdem Verbesserungen 
darauf angebracht waren, um 4 — 25 Dollars den Acre, von Privaten 
kaufte; — er fiihrt bei massiger Arbeit ein angenehmes, sorgen- 
freies, patriarchalisches Leben, und wenn er gleich seinen Dienst- 
leuten einen hohen Lohn von 100 — 150 Dollars, ja oft noch dariiber 
geben muss, vermehrt sich doch sein Kapital mit jedem Jahr! — 
Kam er arm in's Land, so setzte ihn zweijahrige Arbeit in den 
Stand eines unabhangigen Farmers, und hat er Intelligenz, in Kur- 
zem ein Beamter seines neuen Vaterlandes zu werden. Ein weites 
Feld der Thatigkeit steht hier Jedem offen, und wer nicht darnach 
trachtet, Reichthiinier aufhaufen zu woUen, kann hier in wahrhaft 
philosophischer Ruhe ein herrliches beneidenswerthes Leben fiihren. 
Mit 4 — 500 Dollars kann man 80 — 100 Acres erwerben, von denen 
ein Theil schon in Kultur gesetzt ist, und einem Familienvater, 
welchem nach Abzug der Reisekosten ein solches Kapital bei seiner 
Ankunft iibrig bleibt, braucht, und wenn er noch so viel Familie 
hatte, nicht vor der Zukunft zu bangen." 

One spot which Bromme finds worthy of particular descrip- 
tion lies in Montgomery County, directly opposite the present 
site of Hermann. Duden's settlement,^^ too, it must be remem- 
bered, was only a few miles east of the section the deputies found 
favorable for the colony. Furthermore, Miinch^- and Folle- 
nius,"^ the leaders of the unfortunate Giessner-Gesellschaft, lived 



^Gert. Goebel, hanger als ein Menscheiiehen hi Missouri, p. 6. 

'^ Gert. Gochel, ibid. Chapter 2. 

' Friedrich Miinch's Gesammelte Schriften, p. loi. 




GEO. F. BAYER, THE AGENT OF THE SOCIETY, 



And its Colony, Hermann, Misso7iri. 39 

near there. And the Berliner-Gesellschaft was only 30 miles to 
the east.^^ 

It stands to reason that the Philadelphia society was famil- 
iar with all these facts. In the light of these facts we believe that 
Missouri would suggest itself naturally to them. Indeed, we find 
Cullmann recommending Missouri tO' the Executive Committee 
as early as the 14th of June, 1836. We have, however, no further 
insight into the discussions regarding the proposed sites, nor do 
we know who championed the cause of Missouri. 

The report of the deputies was received amid the most enthu- 
siastic plaudits. The very evening when the report became 
known the Board of Managers resolved as follows : 

"Auf diese Griinde gestiitzt, halt der Verwaltungs-Rath es fiir 
ausserst nothwendig, dass sobald als moglich ein Deputirter nach be- 
sagtem Lande abgeschickt werde, um der Gesellschaft den Besitz 
des Landes zu sichern und scheint es ihm daher erwiinscht, dass die 
Absendung schleunigst geschehe." 

After a committee of nine had examined the report in detail, 
the Board of Managers was authorized to deputize some respon- 
sible and capable person as agent plenipotentiary to lay claim to 
the aforesaid land. The choice of this Board fell upon G. F. 
Bayer, a schoolmaster by profession — at that time engaged by 
the Zions-Gemeinde of Philadelphia. This recommendation on 
the part of the Board was heartily confirmed by the society. A 
committee, composed of Adam Schmidt and Dr. Schmoele, drew 
up the instructions for this representative. The document was 
signed by Bayer and the members of the Board of Managers. 
On the 27th of July, Bayer started out on this difficult and ex- 
tremely responsible mission. He generously enough asked for 
no compensation, contenting himself with the defraying of his 
actual expenses. 



'* Gert. Goebel, Liinger als ein Menschenlehcn in Missouri, p. 7. 



40 77/1? German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

The instructions by which he was governed are the fol- 
lowing : 

Instruction filr Herrn G. F. Bayer, Agent des V erwaltungs-Rathes 
der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft nm Land sii kaufen. 

Zu Folge eines Beschhisses der Deutschen Ansiedhings-Gesell- 
schaft vom i8. July d. J. (1837) ^^t der Verwaltungs-Rath Sie zum 
Agenten gewahit, um den von den kiirzlich zuriickgekommenen De- 
putirten der Gesellschaft aufgefundenen und naher beschriebenen 
Landstrich, soweit als moglich, durch Ankauf fiir die Gesellschaft 
zu sichern. 

Sie wollen daher direkt nach St. Louis reisen und von dort iiber 
folgende Punkte so schnell als thunlich an den V^erwaltungs-Rath 
berichten : 

I.) 1st der von den Deputirten bezeichnete Landstrich ganz 
oder zum Theil und wie weit Congress-Land? 

2.) Auf welche Weise kann die Bezahlung dieses oder eines 
Theiles desselben am zweckmassigsten gemacht werden? 

3.) Sollten Sie ausserdem noch passende Nachrichten mitzu- 
theilen haben, so werden Sie solche zu thun gebeten. 

Im Falle, dass Ihre Erkundigungen in St. Louis so ausfallen, 
dass Sie glauben, dass der ganze von den Deputirten bezeichnete 
Landstrich oder ein hinreichend grosser Theil desselben vom Con- 
gresse zu haben ist, so wollen Sie direkt hinreisen und sich mit der 
Localitat des Landes so genau als moglich bekannt machen. Als- 
dann wahlen Sie die fiir die Gesellschaft tauglichsten Striche zum 
Ankauf aus, und zwar in der Art dass Sie sowohl innerhalb der 
Ihnen bekannten Krafte der Gesellschaft bleiben, als auch das nicht 
gleich gekaufte Land fiir den kiinftigen Ankauf so viel als moglich 
sichern. 

Sollten Grundstucke, die Privatpersonen gehoren, innerhalb des 
von Ihnen fiir die Gesellschaft ausersehenen Landstriches liegen, so 
wollen Sie mit den Eigenthiimern moglichst vortheilhaft proviso- 
rische Kauf-Contracte abschliessen und die Resultate so schnell als 
moglich an den Verwaltungs-Rath berichten. 

Zugleich wollen Sie angeben wie viel Geld unbedingt nothig 
ist, um den von Ihnen auf dem Platze selbst gemachten Kaufplan 
am vortheilhaftesten auszufiihren, und wohin, zu welcher Zeit, und 
auf welche Weise dieses Geld an Sie geschickt werden moge. 

Sollten Sie schon in St. Louis oder spaterhin erfahren, dass 



A7id its Colony, Hermamt, Missouri. 41 

der obige Plan zum Ankaufe des von den Deputirten bezeichneten 
Landes unausfiihrbar ist, so sind Sie beauftragt dieses dem Verwal- 
tungs-Rathe unverziiglich zu berichten und direkt zu dem zweiten 
von den Deputirten bezeichneten Landstriche am Cuivre Flusse zu 
reisen. Hier werden Sie dasselbe oben beschriebene Verfahren in 
Beziehung auf provisorische Kauf-Contracte einschlagen und die 
Mittel bestimmen, den von Ihnen vorzuschlagenden Kaufplan durch- 
zufiihren. 

In dem Falle dass beide erwahnten Landstriche entweder fiir 
unbrauchbar oder unerlangbar fiir die Gesellschaft befunden werden 
sollten, so sind Sie beauftragt, nach den besten von Ihnen eingezo- 
genen Erkundigungen einen andern passenden und erlangbaren 
Landstrich fiir die Gesellschaft aufzusuchen und nach den oben nie- 
dergelegten Grundsatzen entweder provisorisch anzukaufen, oder 
auf andere Weise den Ankauf derselben zweckgemass vorzubereiten. 
Hierbei haben Sie nach den Grundsatzen zu verfahren, welche in der, 
den friiheren Deputirten gegebenen Instruction niedergelegt sind. 
Jedoch sollen Sie iiberhaupt die Vollmacht haben, in einzelnen Fallen 
nach Ihrer eigenen besten Einsicht und in dem Ihnen bekannten 
Geiste unserer Gesellschaft zu verfahren, ohne jedoch unautorisirte 
Verbindlichkeiten einzugehen. 

Sollten Sie in der Ausfiihrung Ihrer Auftrage die Hulfe anderer 
Personen, z. B. eines Begleiters, Feldmessers etc. bediirfen, so haben 
Sie alle Gewalt, sich dieselben auf Kosten der Gesellschaft zu ver- 
schaflfen. 

Es steht ferner die Summe von zweihundert und funfzig Tha- 
lern zu Ihrer Disposition welche Sie zu ausserordentlichen Ausgaben, 
die Sie zur Erreichung Ihrer Zwecke fur nothig erachten. ganz oder 
theilweise zu verwenden Erlaubniss haben. 

Alle in dieser Instruction Ihnen zur Abschliessung aufgetrage- 
nen Contracte haben Sie auf Ihren Namen abzuschliessen zum Besten 
der ,,Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft." 

In einem besonders dazu bestimmten Tagebuch wollen Sie die 
Fortschritte Ihrer Bestrebungen taglich niederschreiben und, so oft 
Sie es fur rathsam halten, wenigstens aber jede Woche einmal, von 
Ihrer Ankunft in St. Louis an, einen Auszug aus demselben an den 
Verwaltungs-Rath schicken, wobei Sie zugleich anzugeben haben, 
wohin allenfalsige fernere Instructionen fiir Sie gesandt werden 
mogen. 

The first weeks after Bayer's departure were weeks of anx- 
iety and suspense. It was generaly felt that the society was ap- 
proaching a crisis. Upon Bayer's success or failure as agent 
hinged the future of the whole undertaking. The weekly reports, 



42 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

requested of the agent, did not flow in any more freely than those 
of the three deputies had on their prospecting tour. This, of 
course, heightened the desire for information. On August 21st 
Bayer's first letter arrived. It was dated at St, Louis, the 12th 
of August. In this letter he states that in his opinion the purchase 
of the land should be made without delay. The society, of course, 
complied promptly with the agent's wishes. The necessary steps 
were taken to forward the money. The treasurer's report sub- 
mitted in connection with this action shows the society to have 
been prosperous. Up to September 7th, 1837, 823 shares had 
been sold. There had been deposited with the treasurer $12,- 
396.11. It goes without saying that this was not the full amount 
due. It will be remembered t'hat the lowest share was worth $25. 
Therefore, the entire amount due was almost double the amount 
collected. This difference is explained by the fact that partial 
payments were permitted. Each installment was at the rate of $5. 

After Bayer became acquainted in St. Louis, his letters seem 
to have been punctually written, but were often seriously delayed 
on the way. We have record of letters dated August 19th and 
26th, and September 4th, 8th, 17th, i8th. But, like the letters of 
the deputies, they seem to have been misplaced when the papers 
were carried to Hermann, or they were destroyed. Of all the 
many letters that the agent then wrote, and those which he later 
sent to the superior in ofiice, only three are known now to exist. 
They are a few of the many he wrote from Hermann. They will 
be inserted in their proper place in this article. We cannot refrain 
from expressing our regret that these old historic relics are not 
to be found. The most diligent search has failed to reveal the 
slightest clue to their whereabouts. Vandalism has even dared to 
encroach upon the archives at Hermann at a late date, and has de- 
layed honest investigation most unpardonably. 

As it stands, we can but infer, and often only conjecture, 
as to what these letters contained, by the action of the Board of 
Managers and the society. Thus, for instance, we cannot do 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 43 

better than merely surmise the reasons why Bayer did not follow 
the recommendations of the deputies more closely. 

The land designated by the deputies lies along the Gasconade 
River, and along tiie point of confluence of this river and the 
Missouri. (This region is indicated on the accompanying chart 
by a dotted line.) From this same chart it will be seen also that 
only a comparatively small part of the Bayer purchase actually 
lies in this scope of territory. Why this was done is an un- 
answered and perhaps unanswerable question. It will be remem- 
bered that in their report the deputies mention the fact that 220 
acres of this region were already in the hands of private owners. 
These owners offered this land at $15.00 an acre. However, it is 
not at all improbable that they declined to dispose of their pos- 
session under any consideration, whatever, seeing a prospect of 
profiting by the society later; or that they refused to sell at the 
price previously quoted by them, asking, indeed, a much higher 
price. Even $15.00 an acre must have appeared exorbitantly high 
then, when millions of acres could be entered at just one-twelfth 
of that price. At any rate, Bayer met with some serious hinder- 
ance. This he must have reported to the society, for the Board 
of Managers hastened to forward additional instructions to him. 

„Dass Herr Bayer benachrichtigt werde, die auf dem von ihm 
erlesenen Landstriche aufgenommenen Platze anzukaufen, im Falle 
sie durch keine andern ersetzt werden konnen." 

This was done on September i8th. It is plain from the con- 
nection of these minutes and what followed, that this has refer- 
ence to some of the land he actually purchased from private 
owners, and not to the 220 acres above mentioned. This view is 
confirmed by another resolution, passed later that same evening : 

„Dass Herr Bayer angewiesen werde, dass am Missouri und 
Gasconade gelegene Land, wenn es unter gleich vortheilhafter Be- 
dingung zu haben, zu kaufen ; doch seiner Einsicht die Entscheidung 
zu iiberlassen." 

This reference is clearly to the land visited by the three 



44 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

deputies, and also shows that pecuniary matters formed the bar- 
rier against a speedy purchase. 

The accompanying chart shows and locates every acre of 
ground Bayer bought for the society. It is based on data found 
in the original patents, yet preserved at Hermann, and in an old 
deed of the society. A glance at the chart will show how the land 
was scattered. The reason for this is not well known. Bayer 
certainly did try to buy the land indicated by the deputies, and he 
had succeeded in acquiring several sections in this region. But 
most of the purchase lies near the present site of Hermann. Her- 
mann is located on parts of Sections 25 and 26, 35 and 36, of 
Township 46, Range 5, West. In choosing the land thus scat- 
tered, the agent doubtless had in mind the fundamental principle 
of the body that sent him, namely, that agriculture and manufac- 
ture should go hand in hand. The regions along the Gasconade 
and the interior of the county were much better adapted to agri- 
culture than the extremely broken land along the Missouri. On 
the banks of the Missouri he hoped the manufacturing establish- 
ments would spring up. The great river was to be the public 
highway on which the finished products should reach the market. 

From a record at Hermann we learn the exact dates when the 
land was entered. On September 21st, 1837, the following cer- 
tificates were issued at the St. Louis Land Office : Nos. 9636 to 
9642, conveying seven separate tracts of land, containing 1594.81 
acres; on September 22d, Nos. 9643 and 9644, conveying 480 
acres; on October 4th, Nos. 9689 to 9694 and 9699 to 9710, con- 
veying 5537.47 acres; on October 9th, Nos. 9728 to 9738, con- 
veying 2640.26 acres; on October loth, Nos. 9752 and 9753, con- 
veying 560 acres. There is a further record, stating that on May 
loth, 1838, he entered three more tracts, embracing- 200 acres, on 
certificates Nos. 10,385 to 10,387. Though this entry was made 
many months after the first, the land must have been bought 
for the society, as Bayer was still its agent. This gi\-es us a total 
of 11,012.54 acres, which were obtained from the government for 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 45 

the sum of $14,077.73. But this was not all the land acquired by 
the agent. From a deed whereby the trustees of the society took 
formal possession of the land, we learn that five further tracts, 
containing in all 288.09 acres, were bought from private owners. 
Therefore, the grand total of acres of which the society became 
possessor was 11,300.63. The persons who conveyed their land 
to the society were Stephen Atkins, William Guyler, Charles 
Roark, Willis Hensley and Polly Phillips. 

Bayer's ledger account informs us that he expended $1 535-00 
in purchasing land from private individuals. A man named Jar- 
vis refused to sell his farm. He foresaw a rapid increase in the 
value of land, and hoped to profit by the prosperity of the colony. 
He retained his claim, and later became the cause of much vexa- 
tion and annoyance to the settlers. 

Whether Bayer ever visited the Cuiver River country, indi- 
cated in his instruction, or not, is unknown. 

We have, in several places, referred to the favorable report 
of the deputies, regarding the Gasconade River country. We de- 
sire to say that, from personal examination, we can confirm the 
opinion that it would be admirable for a settlement of the kind 
proposed. The land along the Gasconade is, in part, very fertile. 
This, then, would have satisfied the requirements which stipulated 
the purchase of farming land. The other demand— that of a site 
for manufacturing possibilites — could easily be met along either 
of the rivers. The statements of the deputies were entirely true 
and accurate. Only one fact did they fail to report, which, owing 
to the season in which they made their visit, they were unable to 
observe, namely that the lowlands of this region are quite mias- 
matic. As in other river bottoms, fevers play havoc among the 
inhabitants during the autumn. For this reason, it was doubtless 
a blessing that Bayer could not make agreeable terms of purchase. 
As it was, hundreds suffered intensely from ague during the 
first years of residence. 

Bayer selected the site for the new town in the comparatively 



46 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

narrow valley of a small stream called Frain Creek. It is lo- 
cated seven miles to the east of the point of confluence of the Gas- 
conade and the Missouri, on the south or right bank of the latter. 
The topography of the surrounding country is very irregular. 
Fr. Miinch's rather poetical description of the physical environ- 
ments of Missouri's "Deutschheim" when he says : "Hermann* ist 
auf der Sudseite amphitheatralisch von Hiigelreihen umgeben," 
is scarcely strong enough. Some of the land is extremely broken. 
But very little of the land around the site of the proposed town 
is adapted to extensive agriculture. Other sections of the purchase 
have very good farm land. But they are far away, making com- 
munication and transportation difficult and laborious. To the 
unprejudiced observer it seems quite doubtful that Bayer was a 
good judge of land. He was by profession a schoolmaster. 
Most probably he knew more of "the three R's" than of the 
business of buying land for a corporation. Various conjectural 
explanations have been offered to account for his decision and 
the choice of this land. Some surmise that he selected it because 
it reminded him of his old Bavarian home. Others say he selected 
it because it promised well for horticultural pursuits. Still others 
that he intentionally avoided the vast tracts of level land of West 
and North Missouri in order that there might be no temptation 
or possibilty for the settlers to own slaves. Still others believe 
and quite justly, that the nearness of St. Louis, "the Gateway of 
the West," led him to the choice. In addition to these views, we 
should like to refer again to some of the reasons we have pre- 
viously enumerated, when we spoke of the choice of Missouri. 
We believe that the settlement of the Berliner Gesselschaft at 
Washington, Missouri, and that of Miinich, Follenius and Bock, 
in Warren County, had more to do in fixing his choice than any 
other reason that has been suggested. The cheapness of the land 
of that locality cannot have been an inducement to him, for all 
the government land of Missouri sold then at the price of $1.25 



* Fr. Miinich, "Der Siaat Missouri," p. 204. 




R.4- W 



And its Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. 47 

to $2.50 per acre. The restriction that the settlement should be 
on a river, of course, hampered the agent more than one might 
think at the first glance. 

We must now return again to the society itself, in Phila- 
delphia. 

The meeting of October 5th, 1837, was another memorable 
one in the annals of the Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft. 
After the president's order, that the society enter into secret ses- 
sion, had been obeyed, he announced : 

„Dass er die frohe Nachricht mitzutheilen habe, dass ein grosses 
Stiick Land fiir die Gesellschaft gekauft sei." 

The enthusiasm of the members knew no bounds. "Land! 
land!" they cried, like anxious mariners after a dreary journey. 
New hope, new expectations, filled them all. A giant stride had 
been made towards the coveted goal. Here was, at last, a tangi- 
ble proof of the sincerity of the undertaking. The dormant ones 
became aroused, the faithful stimulated and encouraged. The 
organization had gained a new lease on life. The world beheld 
that the Germans were, indeed, in earnest, and that their perse- 
verance was about to be crowned with glorious success. So fav- 
orable was the prospect and so bright the outlook that the Board 
of Managers felt justified soon after in resolving : 

„Dass, da das Land fiir die Gesellschaft an einem sehr giin- 
stigen Platze am Missouri Flusse angekauft ist, jede Actie vom 
I. October d. J. an, bis auf weitere Anzeige, 35 Dollar kostet." 

The society accepted this recommendation, and even went 
a step farther, and on November 2d decreed : 

„Der Preis der Actien soil vom i. December d. J. an, auf $50, 
bis auf weitere Anzeige, festgestellt werden." 

On the same day that the announcement of the purchase was 
made, the name of the town was to be discussed. Only a name typ- 



48 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

ically German would do. After a brief deliberation, this deci- 
sion was reached : 

„Dass die auf dem von der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft 
gekauften Lande zu erbauende Stadt den Namen Hermann er- 
halten soil." 

Under these prosperous conditions, it became apparent that 
to promote the undertaking still further, a responsible supervisor 
was a positive necessity. This officer was to be styled "General 
Agent." He should conduct their business at the prospective col- 
ony. In casting about for a suitable person for this very impor- 
tant business, it became clear to the members, "dass man keinen 
schicklicheren General Agenten als Herrn Bayer finden wiirde." 
The election was, however, postponed until Bayer's return. 

On the evening of October 30th, Bayer reported to the Board 
of Managers, having made the trip from St. Louis in seventeen 
days. He presented a sketch of the proposed town, described the 
land he had bought, and also the environments in which it was 
found. On November 26. he made a written report to the "Gen- 
eral Versammlung" concerning the trip. (Unfortunately, this 
report is not to be found.) A committee took his report into 
closer scrutiny. Every one was well pleased with the services of 
the agent, and it was at once moved to make G. F. Bayer the 
"General-Agent" of the society. At first it was suggested that 
he should hold his office for an indefinite period, during good be- 
havior. Later the time was limited to one year. As a matter of 
fact, he held it less than a year. On October 2d, 1838, he laid 
down his extremely difficult task. 

He was instructed to depart for the colony at the earliest 
possible date. The remuneration he was to receive for his serv- 
ices is itemized under four heads : 

1. Herr Bayer erhalt einen jahrlichen Gehalt von $600 so lange 
er seine Pflicht erfiillt. 

2. Es werden ihm 80 Acker Land von der Gesellschaft zu dem 
Ankaufspreise gelassen. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 49 

3. Er erhalt $300 fiir sich und seine Familie als Reisegeld. 

4. Er erhalt ein im Bezirk der Stadt unvollendetes Blockhaus 
als Geschenk. 

All the land which Bayer had procured for the society still 
appeared in his name. November 3, 1837, the Board of Managers 
created a Board of Trustees, to whom the property of the society 
should be deeded. As security of the trust of these men their own 
personal property should be held. The society gladly and quickly 
ratified this appointment. The new board consisted of four en- 
thusiastic supporters of the movement. Adam Maag, Adam 
Schmidt, Jakob Hummel, and Frederich Klett. It was deemed 
advisable that these four men should be added to the Board of 
Managers of the society. As it happened, most of them already 
belonged, so that the Board of Managers did not become too un- 
wieldy a body. The deed, remarkable for its length, containing 
the itemized record of the transfer of forty-five separate tracts 
of land, is written, with exemplary neatness, on two pieces oi 
parchment, each measuring 27x34 inches. 

For the reason that it contains some historical facts, and be- 
cause of its quaintness, we subjoin a short part of the deed here : 

This Indenture made the fourteenth (14) day of November in 
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven, 
Between George F. Bayer of the city of Philadelphia and the State 
of Pennsylvania, Merchant, and Catharine, his Wife, of the One 
Part, and Adam Maag, of the District of Spring Garden in the 
County of Philadelphia, Bottler; Adam Smith, of the Northern 
Liberties of the City of Philadelphia, Morocco Dresser ; Jacob Hum- 
mell, of the Northern Liberties aforesaid, Morocco Dresser, and 
Frederick Klett, of the Northern Liberties aforesaid. Druggist, of 
the other part, witnesseth. That the said George F. Bayer and Cath- 
arine, his Wife, as well for and in consideration of the sum of One 
Dollar lawful money of the United States of America unto them 
at or before the Sealing and Delivery hereof by the said Adam 
Maag, Adam Smith, Jacob Hummel, and Frederick Klett, well and 
truly paid, the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, as for 
divers other causes and considerations them thereunto moving have 
granted, bargained, and sold, aliened, enfeoffed, released and con- 
firmed, and by these Presents do grant, bargain and sell, alien, en- 



50 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

feoff, release and confirm unto the said Adam Maag, Adam Smith, 
Jacob Hummel, and Frederick Klett and the Survivor and Sur- 
vivors of them, and the Heirs and Assigns of the Survivor of them, 
All those Forty-Five Certain Tracts or Pieces of Land situated, 
lying and being in the County sf Gasconade in the State of Mis- 
souri, to wit :" 

It will be noticed that Bayer is spoken of as a merchant. 
This was doubtless an error. The City Directory of Philadelphia 
of 1837 gives his occupation as "teacher," his residence, 432 N. 
Second. In all other connections, when his name is mentioned 
with a profession, it is that of teacher. While he was away on 
his tour of inspection, and purchased the land, he wrote to the 
Board of Managers to send word to the "Zions-Gemeinde" that 
he would not be able to return in time to open the school. In a 
letter of August 10, 1838, to the Board of Managers, he says : 

„Handel werde ich nie treiben auch wenn ich nicht mehr Agent 
bin, indem es mit meinen Principien nicht iibereinstimmt." 

It certainly sounded more businesslike to say "merchant" in- 
stead of "teacher" in connection with a big land deal. 

It will also be noted that some of the proper names are 
Anglicized. The parties concerned were, however, all German. 

The closing months of the year 1837 were marked by the in- 
tensest interest in the society. It was, indeed, a feverish interest. 
There was an eagerness that seems almost unnatural, a rush 
almost ridiculous. And all this, too, in a year when a fierce storm 
swept the financial world. But the panic of 1837 did not pass 
without marring even this institution. Of this we shall speak 
later. The transactions of the society impress us now as rather 
too eager. It seemed as if they wished to reach the ultimate goal 
by one single bound. They fired the imagination and exaggerated 
the possibilities and built up hopes which they were not certain 
they could fulfill. They realized, of course, that the time to strike 
is when the iron is hot. But we know how fatal the collapse is 
when hopes are shattered, promises unfulfilled, and expectation 
meets disappointment. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 51 

Many resolutions were passed regarding the government of 
the proposed town, and regarding the land, which all attest the 
keen interest taken in the affair, but which are uncalled for and 
premature. Thus without knowing anything of the land which 
they found themselves possessors of, save what the necessarily 
meager and perfunctory report of Bayer had told them, they ar- 
bitrarily ruled that the land should be divided into classes one 
and two, class one to cost $3.00 per acre and class two $2.00. It 
goes without saying that only the most loyal supporters would 
agree to take such land at such prices, when, in almost any quarter 
of the vast Louisiana Purchase any one could gain the ownership 
of two acres of land instead of one from the society, and that, too, 
of land that was of superior quality. Another drawback was the 
ruling which decreed that every owner should build a house val- 
ued at $300 on his lot or lots during the first year of ownership. 
The lots bordering on the wharf and costing $150.00 each were 
required to have a house valued at $500 by the expiration of the 
first year. Failure to comply with this decree forfeited the prop- 
erty to the society. 

It would be expected that the board of managers would be 
very deliberative and conservative in their proposals, but it ap- 
pears that they were most speculative. And the society sanc- 
tioned and accepted blindly most of their propositions./' In their 
minds' eye Hermann was the rival of St. Louis— in reality its 
proposed site was a howling wilderness. Before they had any 
definite knowledge of the topography of the land around Her- 
mann, they planned public squares, laid out streets (all on paper) 
and dignified these squares and streets by naming them after great 
German and American celebrities. Upon motion of Mr. Maag 
it was decided : 

„Dass die grosse Strasse. welche von Norden nach 
Siiden laufe, den Namen ,.Marktstrasse" bekomme, dass aus 
dieser Strasse das Viereck (Square) wegfalle, in der Mitte die 
Markthauser gebaut und diese Strasse 10 Fuss breiter als die Markt- 
strasse von Philadelphia gemacht werde." 



52 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Mr. Klett moved to set aside four squares, one in each quar- 
ter of the plot chosen for the town, to be used as public places of 
recreation. It was further resolved that promenades 150 ft. wide 
should be arranged east and west along the town. As a matter 
of fact such promenades are absolutely impossible owing to the 
extremely broken condition of the ground in question. /The 
I streets rtmning parallel to Market Street should bear these names : 
Washington, Franklin, Tell, Bliicher, Philadelphia, Friedrich, 
Gutenberg, and Mozart. (The streets we do actually find in Her- 
mann now are Market, Schiller, Gutenberg, Franklin, Gilbert, 
Mozart, Washington, Goethe, Jefferson and Wein, other streets 
being numbered.) The proposed squares (which, however, were 
never laid out) were to bear these names : Schiller, Goethe, Wie- 
land and Herder. This was all very commendable to demon- 
strate their enthusiasm and zeal but it certainly was impractical 
and extremely visionary. Before a year had elapsed the board of 
managers had received intelligence that their plans were inappli- 
cable to the new town. The actual conditions had foiled their 
ideals. On April 12th, 1838, they ask for an accurate insight into 
the physical conditions at Hermann, in these words : 

„Dass Herr Bayer die Veranstaltung treffe : eine topographische 
Karte (nebst Plan der Stadt Hermann) von den sammtlichen Lan- 
dereyen fiir die Gesellschaft anzufertigen oder anfertigen zu lassen 
und diese Zeichnungen dem Verwaltungs-Rathe hier einzuschicken." 

At this time, too, the board of managers resolved to make 
another effort at popularizing the organization in the Fatherland. 
They decided to have 500 notices printed setting forth the pros- 
perous condition of the society and encouraging participation in 
the same. These notices were to be distributed among the Phila- 
delphia members who should enclose them in their letters to Euro- 
pean friends and kinsmen. This idea found favor. At a subse- 
quent meeting it was agreed to have another lot of 500 such no- 
tices struck. They were designed to be sent to European ports, 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 53 

like Bremen, Hamburg, and Havre, where "Schiffsmackler" 
should distribute 10 to 15 of them on each ship sailing for North 
America. 

There was no doubt whatsoever in the minds of the officers, 
that Hermann would soon become a booming city. For the com- 
fort and safety of the prospective residents they ordained the fol- 
lowing : 

/^"Dass keine Schlachterei, keine Leim-, Licht-, Seifen-, Oel-, 
Terpentin-, Pulver- oder Starkefabrik, oder irgend eine Anstalt, 
welche das Leben der Nachbarn fahrdet oder unangenehm macht, 
innerhalb der Stadt angelegt werden diirfen." 

The promoters of the undertaking were "Grossstadter" and 
took account of a host of things which would not occur to resi- 
dents of a small town until the specific case presented itself, when 
they would know how to meet the emergency. 

The river was their great highway by which their wilderness 
was connected with civilization. This the colonists realized and 
thus early provided to reserve its use wholly to the society, and 
not allow the monopoly of any man or a collection of men to mar 
their progress or inconvenience them. 

4. The Founding of the Colony and its Early Growth. 

The year 1837 was nearing its close. It was necessary that 
Bayer should return to the site of the colony with the earliest dis- 
patch. New instructions were now needed for the new "General 
Agent" to be governed by. On November 30th the following 
committee was appointed to draw up these instructions : Fegen- 
busch, Gentner, Kiderlen, Wollsiefer, Maag, Klett, Schmidt and 
Hummel. The adoption of these instructions marks the begin- 
ning of a new chapter in the history of the society. 

The instructions were these : 



54 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

INSTRUCTION 

des General-Agenten der Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zu 
Hermann, Missouri. 

Par. I. 

Der General-Agent verpflichtet sich, so bald es die Gesellschaft 
wiinscht, an den Ort zu reisen, wo dieselbe Land gekauft, um die 
Geschafte der Gesellschaft zu besorgen, so, wie nachstehend be- 
stimmt ist. 

a) Der General-Agent verpflichtet sich alle Einkaufe und Ver- 
kaufe fijr die Bevollmachtigten der Gesellschaft zu machen, nach 
ausfiihrlicher Instruction derselben. 

b) Alle Vierteljahre soil er ausfiihrliche Rechnung iiber den 
Stand seiner Kasse ablegen und der Gesellschaft libersenden. 

c) Der General- Agent verpflichtet sich iiber alles Eigenthum 
der Gesellschaft ein ausfuhrliches Lagerbuch zu fiihren. 

Par. 2. 

Sobald lo Mitglieder der Gesellschaft auf dem Ansiedlungs- 
Platze ankommen soil der General-Agent eine Versammlung der- 
selben berufen und aus ihnen ein Committee von 3 Personen wahlen 
lassen, die das Recht und die Verpflichtung haben, die Geschafts- 
Fiihrung des General-Agenten zu revidiren und, falls dieselben 
nicht nach dem Sinn dieser Instruction sein sollten, dariiber an die 
Gesellschaft zu berichten. 

a) Genannte Committee soil jede vierteljahrige Rechnung des 
General-Agenten durchsehen und deren Richtigkeit bescheinigen. 
Im Falle die Committee die Rechnung des General-Agenten nicht 
richtig findet, soil sie einen speciellen Bericht gelangen lassen. 

b) Im Falle der General- Agent durch Krankheit oder auf 
andere Weise geschaftsuntiichtig gemacht werden solle, oder seinen 
Verpflichtungen gegen die Gesellschaft nicht nachkame, so kann die 
Committee bei voUkommener Uebereinstimmung aller ihrer Glieder 
und mit Zustimmung der Mehrheit der dortigen Mitglieder der Ge- 
sellschaft, den General-Agenten suspendiren und iiberhaupt solche 
Schritte gehen wie dieses der Vortheil der Gesellschaft erheischt. 

c) Diese Committee in Vereinigung mit dem General-Agenten 
hat zu bestimmen, zu welcher Klasse ein Stiick Land gehoren soil. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 55 

Par. 3. 

Der General-Agent soil kein Geschaft betreiben, ausser das fiir 
die Gesellschaft, weder in seinem noch in eines Andern Namen, mit 
Ausnahme des Ackerbaues. 

Par. 4. 

Sollte ein Fall vorkommen, wo der General-Agent nothwendig 
handeln miisste, ohne fiir den besonderen Fall Instruction von der 
Gesellschaft zu haben, so soil er mit Zuziehung und Berathung der 
dortigen Committee so handeln, wie es fiir die Gesellschaft am vor- 
theilhaftesten ist. 

Par. 5. 

Der General-Agent soil alle Land-Vermessungen auf dem Ge- 
biete der Gesellschaft besorgen. 

Par. 6. 

Der General-Agent soil sowohl der englischen als der deut- 
schen Sprache machtig sein. 

With these instructions Bayer, accompanied by his family, 
started out for his new field of labor, early in December, 1837. 
At Pittsburg personal illness delayed him many weeks. This delay 
worked great inconvenience and hardship to a number of pio- 
neers who had already journeyed to the site of the new settlement. 
Bayer alone had authority to lay out lots and assign them to col- 
onists. But now he was a thousand miles away. Winter was 
setting in, and build they must, to protect their wives and chil- 
dren. But where should they build? Everywhere was wilder- 
ness. They were not certain that the houses, they erected, with 
great toil, stood on parts of two lots, instead of one. No wonder 
they wrote pleadingly to the mother society for an Agent. 

With the approach of the new year Bayer was able to de- 
part for the colony. In midwinter he undertook the gigantic task 
that was assigned him. Poor man! Alone he found himself 
placed in almost unexplored wilds. The responsibility that rested 
on his shoulders was enormous. The success of the whole under- 



56 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

taking rested largely on his decisions and his judgment. What 
made the task still greater is (as we are led to conclude from re- 
port) that he was hardly qualified for such an important position. 
The demands were too appallingly great for one man. It is quite 
improbable that any other man in the society would have been 
many sided enough to engineer an undertaking so great as this 
one was. What was it the society asked of him? He was re- 
quired to oversee everything that pertained to the property of 
the society, to superintend the surveying, not only of the town 
site, but of all the ii.ooo acres of ground, to assign the property 
to colonists and record their claims, to hear and adjust a thousand 
complaints of the settlers, to answer innumerable communications 
of prospective colonists and shareholders, to furnish food-supplies 
for all, to arrange for the building of saw and grist mills, and a 
thousand other things. No wonder that his reports to the home 
society came in meagerly and irregularly. When it is remembered 
that the colonists were subject to human erring, and that some of 
them had none of those noble, lofty sentiments, which actuated 
the founders, but that selfishness often impelled them to unrea- 
sonable and unjust demands, we wonder that any man had the 
persistence to stay at his post as long as Bayer did. 

The pioneers who had the hardihood to venture into the Mis- 
souri wilds in 1837, even before the General-Agent had gone out, 
were: 

Conrad Baer, Georg Conrad Riefenstahl, with wife and five 
children, John George Prager, with wife and two children, Gott- 
leib Heinrich Gentner, with wife, Daniel Oelschlaeger with wife 
and one child. 

These seventeen persons left immediately after the purchase 
became assured, confident that Bayer would speedily follow and 
regulate and supervise their settlement. This program was 
broken into by Bayer's sickness which confined him at Pittsburg, 
Pa., for many months. Communication was slow in those days, 
and in the cold season it almost ceased entirely. Just how these 
first colonists eked out an existence during this first winter is un- 



Ajtd its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 57 

chronicled. Their discomfort must certainly have been great, 
great enough to embolden them to ask retribution from the society 
later. In an early record mention is made of a half-finished log 
house on the site of the proposed town. This some of them are 
said to have occupied. It is perfectly safe to assume that the Eng- 
lish speaking settlers gave them all the aid and comfort in their 
power to give. The Missourian is remarkably hospitable today, 
and he was even niore so in the pioneer days. The latch string 
always hung on the outside for the needy and distressed. At any 
rate Bayer found them later, sound in body, though not quite 
contented in mind. 

A number of other enthusiastic colonists left the east later. 
But they had the good judgment not to enter the wilderness at 
such an inhospitable season. They remained comfortably in St. 
Louis awaiting Bayer's arrival there and finding what temporary 
employment they could in the city. They had come this far west 
to be on the grounds in the earliest spring in order to secure the 
best choice of farm land or town lots. Selfishness is a human 
characteristic. This corporation was no more exempt from it 
than any other land-seeking body. All desired a place on the 
"ground-floor." 

Quite naturally, the failure on the part of the General-Agent 
to arrive at the colony on scheduled time did even more than 
work hardship to the pioneer settlers, it shook the confidence, 
not only of the enrolled members but also of those about per- 
suaded to join the organization. As was stated above, the col- 
onists did not know the reason for Bayer's delay because of lack 
of communication. 

On the 22nd of February, 1838, Bayer had not arrived at 
St. Louis. This we learn from a letter of D. Widersprecher writ- 
ten there and then to Secretary Wesselhoeft. 

,,Wir warten schon seit einigen Monaten vergeblich auf die 
i^nkunft des Herrn Bayer und befinden uns so ziemlich in einer un- 
g<wissen Lage. Auf jeden Fall hat diese Angelegenheit bereits 
sehr dadurch gelitten, dass niemand vorhanden ist, die Geschafte 
zu superintendiren. 



58 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Sie werden sehr wohl wissen, dass die Meinung fiir die An- 
siedlung im Allgemeinen nicht giinstig" ist und wenn das Werk 
nicht mit Eifer und Patriotismus angegriffen wird kann man sich 
keine grossen Aussichten versprechen." 

Just when Bayer arrived in Missouri, is not known. The 
first record of a letter from him, which the minutes contain, speaks 
of a communication dated at Hermann, March 28. Allowing him 
a few days to arrange the most necessary things and to look over 
the situation, we should say he arrived about the middle of March. 
From the action taken by the society and the reply the ofificers 
sent to Bayer, we infer that the agent experienced a very unpleas- 
ant reception at Hermann, and that some extraordinarily pre- 
/ sumptuous and unjust demands were made upon him. It is to be 
sincerely regretted that the lofty aims of the founders of the so- 
ciety did not actuate every one of its members ; that the appeal 
of the unselfish ones: "Seid einig, einig, einig!" fell upon stony 
hearts ; that the principle of give little and gain much permeated 
so many of the early colonists ; that the spirit of sacrifice was not 
in the land; that it was not felt and appreciated that such an or- 
ganization could prosper only by the strictest adherence to the 
principles of equal rights to all and special privileges to none. It 
appears that those who had spent that comfortless winter of 
1837-8 on the banks of the Missouri, not only desired, but de- 
manded special favors of the agent. They even appealed for com- 
miseration to the society, claiming that through the unfortunate 
and unforeseen delay of Bayer they had endured more hardships 
and were thus entitled to special recognition, and favors. Such 
advantages could not be granted, if for no other reason than that 
of the precedent it established. President Schmoele, in a letter 
written at Philadelphia, April 12th, 1838, clearly instructs the 
agent as to his action : 

„Geehrter Herr! 

Ihr Schreiben, datirt : Hermann, den 28ten Marz 1838, an die 
Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft, nebst den Beschliissen einer auf 
der Ansiedlung gehaltenen Versammlung ist richtig empfangen 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri, $9 

worden, und ich werde beide Dokumente dem Verwaltungs-Rath, 
und der nachsten monatlichen Versammlung der Ansiedlungs-Ge- 
sellschaft vorlegen. 

Als vorlaufige Antwort auf Ihren Brief dient folgendes: 
Obgleich es mir, wie der Gesellschaft Wunsch ist, dass Sie 
durch Freundlichkeit, Gefalligkeit und verniinftige Nachsicht die 
Lage derjenigen Mitglieder, vvelche schon lange auf der Ansiedlung 
sich befanden, Ihrer, durch Ungliick verhinderte Ankunft entgegen- 
harrend, zu erleichtern streben mochten, so muss doch auf strenge 
Beobachtung Ihrer Instruction gedrungen werden. Namentlich kann 
und wird sich die Gesellschaft in keiner Hinsicht auf Bevorrechti- 
gung einzelner Mitglieder einlassen, diese mogen mit den Gesetzen 
der Gesellschaft bekannt sein oder nicht. AUe auf die Rechte der 
Mitglieder beziiglichen Beschliisse der Gesellschaft sind in unserem 
gewohnlichen Orgart, der Altcn und Neuen Welt, regelmassig be- 
kannt gemacht worden. Es ist daher Pflicht der Mitglieder, die- 
selben zu kennen ; wenigstens kann Unkenntniss derselben kein Ver- 
gehen gegen sie entschuldigen ; und am wenigsten Vorrechte oder 
Anmassungen begriinden. Suchen Sie vorkommende Falle dieser 
Art auf die giinstigste und gelindeste Art zu beseitigen." 

In the spring of 1838 a large number of colonists journeyed 
to Hermann. Statistics of the town show that during this year 
230 persons — men, women and children — arrived. Of this num- 
ber 29 were unmarried men. Two were widows with 3 and 5 
children, respectively. This was the banner year of the colony 
so far as numerical growth was concerned. The record for the 
years 1839 and '40 is not so complete in detailed accounts. The 
books show that 21 shareholders arrived. We can not say how 
many persons came with them. Nor do we know just how many 
more shareholders purchased colony land. A letter from Her- 
mann, May 15, 1839, asserts that the population then was 450. 
This is encouraging enough, considering that travel was slow and 
laborious. 

It will be remembered that Par. 2 of the instructions to Bayer 
provided for the organization of an executive committee of three 
to be chosen as soon as 10 persons of the society had arrived. 
Bayer was slow in carrying out this injunction. Dr. Schmoele's 
letter, which we continue to quote here, reminds him of this duty 
as well as others expressed in the instructions. 



6o The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

„Da nunmehr schon so viele Ansiedler eingetroffen sind so 
vverden Sie Ihrer Instruction gemass so bald als moglich die Or- 
ganisation einer kontrolirenden Committee veranlassen. Es scheint 
am zweckmassigsten, dass Sie zu diesem Ende eine Versammlung 
sammtlicher dort anwesenden Mitglieder berufen, dieser dann Ihre 
Instructionen sowohl wie alle die Organisirung der Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft betreffenden Verordnungen und Beschliisse der Gesell- 
schaft vorlcgen und sic zu einer nachsten Versammlung nach einer 
gebiihrlichen Frist einladen, um die Wahl der Committee zu voll- 
ziehen. 

Die Resultate wollen Sie, sowohl als die Committee selbst, un- 
verziiglich, an mich berichten. 

Ueberhaupt wird es sehr gewiinscht, und wiirde das Vertrauen 
der Gesellschaft dadurch verstarkt werden, dass Sie uns durch hau- 
fige und ausfiihrliche Berichte erfreuen. Vor Allem wurde ein un- 
verziiglicher Bericht Ihrer geschehenen Abreise von Pittsburg, 
sowie Ihre Ankunft in Hermann dringend erwartet. Ebensosehr 
wiinscht die Gesellschaft zu wissen, welche Massregeln Sie getroffen 
haben, um das untere, an unserem Lande liegende, zum Stadtplatze 
nothwendige Landstiick fiir die Gesellschaft zu sichern. 

Bei dem jetzigen bliihenden Zustande unserer Gesellschaft, 
mochte der Gedanke gewagt werden diirfen, das grosse Jarvische 
Claim fiir die Gesellschaft anzukaufen. Alle Extra-Bemiihungen, 
welche Sie zu diesem Zwecke machen wiirden, mochten Ihnen im 
gliicklichen Falle von der Gesellschaft mit der grossten Liberalitat 
belohnt werden. 

Ich brauche wohl den moglichst schnellen Betrieb der Vermes- 
sungen nicht zu erwahnen, da dieses unter Ihrer ersten und wahr- 
scheinlich schon zum grossen Theile erledigten Pflicht gehort. 

In der Hoffnung, dass Sie in der Erfullung Ihres wichtigen 
und beschwerlichen Amtes nicht miide werden, und mit dem 
Wunsche, dass etwa vorkommende Zwistigkeiten auf die gelindeste 
und menschenfreundlichste Weise beseitigt werden mogen, bin und 
bleibe ich Ihr ergebener und treuer Freund 

Wilh. Schmoele, 
(Beglaubigt Fr. Schreiber.) Pras. 

Sekretair. 

Parts of this letter show again how much \vas expected of 
Bayer and how very varied were the capacities in which he was 
supposed to be proficient. What a presumption is expressed in 
this letter. The Agent— a schoolman by profession — doubt- 
less little acquainted with the duties of a surveyor, is expected 



And its Colony, Hennann, Missouri. 6i 

to have surveyed the enormous tract of more than ii,ooo acres 
of ground in the short period of less than one month, and besides 
performing a mukitude of other complex duties. And this is the 
attitude of the society for the greater part of Bayer's activity as 
agent. ''It only goes to prove how inexperienced the founders of 
the society were in problems of this nature. We do not champion 
the cause of Bayer. It is our opinion that he was not competent 
to cope with the many-sided problems. But we also wish to point 
out that no one man could meet efficiently the requirements of this 
organization. 

The colonists were not in harmony with the agent and did 
not co-operate in the difficult tasks that presented themselves. 
They lacked the ability to adjust themselves to primitive condi- 
tions, were often and in many things extremely impractical, and 
worst of all were selfish, fault finding, without the good of the 
cause at heart. Under such conditions and among people of such 
dispositions, protests naturally followed protests. The disappoint- 
ed, the discontented and the "wise" ones soon registered their ob- 
jections with the home society. Some of these objections were triv- 
ial, foolish, puerile and malicious. This will be made clearer by 
giving, in toto. the complaints of one Binz. Binz had been at 
Hermann. Returning to Philadelphia he regarded it his solemn 
duty to report his grievances. As he was too ignorant to make an 
intelligent statement, the society appointed a committee of three 
to confer with him, to bring his accusations to writing, and "mit 
dessen eigenhandiger Unterschrift versehen zu lassen und der 
nachsten Versammlung vorzutragen." We have decided, after 
considerable hesitation, to insert it here. We do it because it 
shows how malicious and asinine some of the colonists were. Also 
because it is typical of the nature of many complaints presented. 
Some of the complainants had not yet been purged of the 
"Kleinelei" of another Fatherland. The accusations read as 
follows in the report: 

Herr August Binz sagt aus wie folgt : 

I. Dass Herr Bayer (General- Agent in Hermann) durchaus 



62 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

in der Erfiillung- seiner Pflichten keine Genugthuung- gebe, und 
meist nur seinen eigenen Geschaften nachgehe. 

2. Dass Herr Bayer in "company" mit Herrn Widersprecher 
einen "Stohr" halte, die Tageszeit auf seinem Lande zubringe und 
die Abendzeit auf seinen "Stohr" verwende. 

3. Dass die vier Gesellschafts-Ochsen, Herrn Bayer's Pferd, 
Kuh, und zwei Schweine mit ihren Jungen taglich zu Gaste haben. 

4. Dass drei Herren in Hermann waren um Actien zu kaufen, 
dass aber die Bekanntschaft mit Herrn Bayer ihr Vorhaben ver- 
leidet. 

5. Dass Herr Bayer dem Herrn Schindahler aus Gefalligkeit 
160 Ackers, nah an der Stadt fiir den Ankaufspreis in der Office 
habe zuschreiben lassen. 

6. Dass Herr Bayer seinen Pflichten gegen ihn selbst nicht 
. nachgekommen sey. 

7. Dass Herr Bayer in einer Zeitung in St. Louis alle Sonntag 
eine regelmassige Versammlung angekiindigt habe, in den letzten 
fiinf Wochen aber nie erschien. 

8. Dass alle Ansiedler es wiinschen, da sie wussten dass Herr 
A. Binz nach Philadelphia gehen wollte ; besonders eine Gesellschaft 
zu halten, um Nachrichten an die Muttergesellschaft mit zu nehmen ; 
Herr Bayer aber nicht erschien; Herr Binz verweilte bis den Frei- 
tag, es konnte aber keine Versammlung zusammengebracht werden, 
weil Herr Bayer mit seinen eigenen Geschaften zu viel zu thun hatte. 

9. Dass nicht fiinf Mann auf der Ansiedlung seyen die mit der 
Handlung und dem Betragen des Herrn Bayer zufrieden waren. 

10. Dass Herr Bayer das Ausmessen gar nicht verstehe, eine 
solche Verwirrung hervorbrachte, dass durch einen Sachkundigen 
die schon gethanen Vermessungen noch einmal vorgenommen wer- 
den mussten; und so sich zeigte, dass ein neugebautes Blockhaus 
auf zwei Lotten stand. 

11. Dass Herr Binz die Muttergesellschaft in Philadelphia 
versichere, dass im Allgemeinen eine grosse Unzufriedenheit wegen 
Herrn Bayer's Nichtsthun dort in Hermann herrsche. und er als 
Mitglied der ,,Dentschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft" sich verpflichtet 
fiihie, dies offen und frei zum Wohle der ganzen Gesellschaft aus- 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 63 

zusprechen, und mit seiner Namens-Unterschrift zu unterzeichnen. 

August Bins. 
Committee : 

G. Zimmermann, Pras. 

J. C. Viereck, Sekretair. 

J. Andreas Kehr. 

Some of the accusations are perhaps justifiable, but others are 
too trivial, gossipy and evidently concocted to make up a respect- 
able list of complaints, to merit recognition. 

Upon hearing the report, which was presented early in June, 
the society passed this resolution of June 8th : 

„Dass der General-Agent aufs dringendste ersucht werde ^0- 
gleicit einen speziellen Bericht iiber die ganze Ansiedlung zu geben, 
indem die Gesellschaft sehr unzufrieden iiber das Benehmen des 
Herrn General-Agenten sei und diese Berichte von 14 zu 14 Tagen 
fortzusetzen habe." 

The society had no longer any confidence in Bayer. At this 
same meeting we learn that the agent's instructions are to be cop- 
ied, and the copy sent to the "Controlierende Committee," (which 
Bayer had evidently organized now, in comformity to his instruc- 
tions) "mit der Bemerkung" (to execute them) "da Herr Bayer 
es doch vernachlassigen wiirde." 

The Board of Managers, too, took a thrust at the agent, 
when they, as early as the middle of May, resolved : 

„Dass der General-Agent Herr Bayer ersucht werde, seinen 
Verpflichtungen in dem Masse nachzukommen, in Zukunft piinkt- 
licher Bericht iiber den Fortgang der Colonie Hermann abzustatten. 
dass wenigstens alle 4 Wochen ein, auf Wahrheit gegrun- 
deter Bericht von der kontrolierenden Committee unterzeichnet, 
dem Verwaltungs-Rathe eingeschickt werden miisse." 

From the very beginning, some of those who could reason- 
ably be regarded as the best the society numbered among its own 
and who on the whole were enthusiastic enough, give expression 
to views, that are wholly unwholesome in a body of this nature. 
So for instance D. Widersprecher. in the letter from which was 



64 The Gcrnmn Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

quoted above, having heard a false rumor that some one had 
received favors, at once wrote to Secretary Wesselhoeft : 

„Wenn ich fiir mich keinen guten Bauplatz bekommen kann, 
gehe ich nicht nach Hermann, und (he adds a thread) es werden 
dann meine Freunde auch nicht hingehen. 

Ueberdies woUen wir nichts mit der Sache zu thun haben, wenn 
wir finden, dass Begiinstigungen stattfinden und wenn wir dort 
unsere Grundsatze von Recht und BiUigkeit verfolgt sehen." 

The author of the letter demands favors which he would not 
grant. Such language was ill becoming a man who on the site of 
the colony became a rich man. This shows again the disposition 
of many of the participants who were to be the pillars of strength 
of the social structure. 

From day to day the discontent with Bayer's regime grew 
stronger. The derogatory reports came faster. The censure be- 
came more and more vehement. Even President Schmoele, who 
in his semi-annual report, delivered on April 14. expressed the 
utmost confidence in Bayer, and called attention to his "allegemein 
anerkannte Ehrlichkeit, Umsicht und Menschenfreundlichkeit," 
began to suspect the agent as neglectful of his duties. 

It appears that Bayer did not know who his accusers were — 
at least not for a long time. He endeavored to carry the fearful 
burden that was placed upon his shoulders without a murmur. 
The changed attitude of the home society soon became known to 
him through the tone of their communications. His friend Adam 
Schmidt visited the colony in June and to him he poured out his 
heart's sorrow, with him he discussed the best steps to be taken 
for the good of the whole. 

When Schmidt returned to Philadelphia many of the unex- 
plained acts, and the apparently unpardonable neglect of the agent 
were explained. After Schmidt's report the Board of Managers 
resolved : 

„Dass, da die Obliegenheiten des General-Agenten in Her- 
mann von einer solchen Ausdehnung und zeitraubend sind und da 
der General-Agent unmoglich alles dieses ijbersehen kann, Nach- 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 65 

theile ftir die Gesellschaft entstehen konnten, so halt der Verwal- 
tungs-Rath es fur nothwendig die Gesetzgebung und Verwaltung 
den Mitgliedern in Hermann soweit zu iibertragen, als es die Loca- 
litat und die Bediirfnisse der Mitglieder erheischen. 

Dass folgende Mitglieder in Hermann, die Herren: E. C. Staf- 
horst, Julius Leupold, M. Krauter, W. L. Henrich, W. Senn und 

Centner, mit Hinzuziehung des General-Agenten, bevollmach- 

tigt sind, die sammtlichen Mitglieder zu einer Versammlung zu 
berufen und formlich zu organisiren, um regelmassige Beamten zu 
wahlen." 

This was done June 2nd, 1838. It marks a big concession 
on the part of the home society — a concession which the colony 
eagerly took hold of, and which encouraged them to ask for still 
more powers, before the year had gone by. 

We are fortunate in having handed down to us three letters 
from the former agent — Bayer. We insert them here because 
they will speak for a most sorely abused man, and will in a meas- 
ure vindicate him, if he needs vindication, but best of all they pre- 
sent a glimpse into the actual workings of this body. 

Hermann, June 25th, 1838. 

Herrn Doctor Schmoele, Prasident der deutschen Ansiedlungs-Ge- 
sellschaft zu Philadelphia. 

Geehrter Herr ! 

Die Beschliisse der Colonic dahier, im Verlauf dieses Monats 
gehalten, werden Ihnen zugekommen seyn. Dringende Geschafte 
veranlassten eine Verzogerung der ersten Beschliisse dieses Mo- 
nats, und da die Erledigung mehrerer Punkte derselben Eile for- 
derte, so schien es mir passender die nachste Sitzung abzuwarten. 
Herr Schmidt, welcher seinem Versprechen gemass personliche 
Berichte bei seiner Zuriickkunft an die Gesellschaft erstatten wird, 
indem wir Manches mit einander besprochen, dass, meines Erach- 
tens, nioht an die grosse Glocke gehort, wenn nicht unserem nun- 
mehr schonen Gelingen unserer Sache entgegen gearbeitet werden 
soil. Ich muss mir dabey freylich einen Vorwurf machen, nemlich : 
dass ich Ihnen und der Muttergesellschaft Wiinsche (ofter zu 
schreiben) nidht nachkommen konnte. Indessen wird Herr Schmidt 
und Herr Arnold der Wahrheit gemass gewiss bezeugen, dass der 
Arbeiten viele auf mir liegen, und dass ich in der Hauptsache ge- 
wiss meine Schuldigkeit thuc. Wenn man dann noch annimmt, 



(^ The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

wie viele ungesetzliche Anforderungen von zwei unverstandigen 
Gliicksrittern und Abentheurern, die hie und da audi bey uns ihr 
Heil versuchen wollen, gemacht werden, und die gewohnlich mit 
Grobheiten enden, so mochte man am Durchsetzen der Sache ver- 
zweifeln. Doch Mufch und Besonnenheit hat mich schon durch 
manches Labirinth gefiihrt, und wenn die Muttergesellschaft so 
wie friiher fortfahrt meine scheinbaren Schwachen zu tragen und 
keinem ungegriindeten Misstrauen Platz giebt, so ist gar kein 
Zweifel, dass die Vorhersagungen aller Vorurtheils freyen Manner, 
sowohl Deutschen als Amerikanern, in dieser Gegend in Erfiillung 
gehen, und die Stadt Hermann schon in den ersten Jahren mit 
irgend einer im Westen, St. Louis ausgenommen, weteifern kann. 
— Obgleich schon viele edle Manner hier sind, so ware es nach 
meiner Ansicht doch noch nicht zu wiinsdien, dass die Mutterge- 
sellschaft aufhoren wiirde, das Oberhaupt der Colonic zu seyn. Die 
statistischen Verhaltnisse der Colonic sind freylich glanzend genug 
um auf den ersten Ueberblick einen solchen Wunsch zu hegen, 
aber sowohl in moralischer als finanzieller Hinsicht scheint es mir 
noch zu fruh daran zu denken. Nach und nach werden sich die 
verschiedenen Ideen, die fast Jeder mit nach Hermann bringt, ver- 
schmelzen und ein nach den Grundgesetzen der Muttergesellschaft 
geformtes Ganze herauskommen, das die Basis zu alien erspriess- 
lichen Folgerungen abgeben wird. Mogen auch der Sache Miss- 
giinstige, oder Zweifler oder boshafte Verlaumder iiber mich her- 
fallen, es stort mich nicht, wenigstens nicht auf die Dauer, denn 
ich kann mit Recht stolz darauf seyn, dass ich, durch kraftige Mit- 
wirkung edler deutscher Manner, eine Colonic gegriindet habe, die 
der Nachwelt zeigen wird, dass der Deutsche, auch ohne fanatisch 
angefeuert zu seyn, ein Muster der Einigkeit und des Fleisses ist, 
sobald nur die Art und Weise denselben moralisch zu leiten nicht 
verfehlt wird. 

x'^Nur schade, dass die meisten unserer jetzt hier angesiedeltcn 
Glieder so viel mit sich selbst zu thun haben, und gerade oft Die- 
jenigcn, welche ihrer Talente und Moralitat nach am meisten leisten 
konnten, durch Geschafte ausserhalb verhindert werden, Theil an 
dem politischen Thun und Treiben der Gesellschaft zu nehmen, in 
Folgc dessen es denselben dann unmoglich ware, auch Aufsatze 
zur VeroffentHchung zu geben. 

Alles dieses wird spater besser, und es ware nach meiner An- 
sicht auch nicht gut, wenn die Einwanderung in unser^ Colonic 
vor dem Herbste starker gienge, als sic jetzt geht. Die Lebens- 
mittel werden rar, und wir haben jetzt vor der Erndte oft vide 
Miihe solche zu bekommen, besonders das Mehl macht uns viel zu 
schaffen. Mehrere Bestellungen, die ich in St. Charles machte, 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 67 

wurden nicht befordert. Soeben komnie ich von einer Reise, auf 
welcher ich alle Miihlen im westlichen Theile von Warren County 
aufsuchte, ohne glucklichen Erfolg, am Ende doch, nahe an der 
gTossen Prairie in Montgomery County hatte ich das Gliick mit 
einem virginier Miihlenbesitzer einen Contrakt fiir Mehllieferung 
zu machen. Alles dieses muss auf der linken Seite des Missouri 
geschehen, was besonders mir, der fiir all dieses zu sorgen hat, 
sehr viele Miihe macht. Vorige Woche reiste ich nach Washing- 
ton (Mo.), und hatte das Gliick ein neues ferryboat zu kaufen, das 
nachster Tage herauf kommen wird und uns gewiss Manches er- 
leichtert. So wie ich bey dem nun beynahe vollendeten Briicken- 
bau abkommen kann, reise ich in die Countystadt um eine Lizens 
fiir eine Ferry einzuholen, vorher aber will ich mit den gegeniiber 
liegenden Besitzern, so viel wie moglich vortheilhafte Contrakte 
abschliessen, was ich schon eingeleitet habe. Statistische Ueber- 
sicht der Stadt und des Landes soil nachstens verfertigt werden 
und vielleicht schon im nachsten Briefe kommen. 

Uebrigens empfehle ich mich Ihnen so wie der ganzen Ge- 
sellschaft. 

Hochachtungsvoll, 

G. F. Bayer, 

G. A. 

Hermann, July 3rd, 1838. 

Herrn Doctor Schmoele, Prasident der deutschen Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft zu Philadelphia. 

Geehrter Herr! 

Ich benutze den Vorabend des fiir uns Deutsche so gehalt- 
vollen Festes, das auch morgen hier nun von der ganzen Colonic 
mit Einschluss der uns umgebenden Amerikanern gefeiert werden 
soil, um Ihnen die Fortsetzung des unterm 25ten v. M. datirten 
Briefes zu liefern. Der Gedanke an den grossen, edlen Befreyer 
unserer jetzigen Heimath, hat viel fiir mich, sollte es fiir jeden 
Deutschen haben. Er handelte frey und recht mit seinen Lands- 
leuten und wurde doch verkannt, sogar vom damaligen Congress. 
Warum soil ich mich beklagen, dem so Vieles abgeht, was ihm 
eigen war, wenn ich verkannt werde. Warum soil ich mich be- 
leidigt fiihlen, wenn Einer dem ich nicht nach seiner Pfeife tanzen 
konnte, ohne meine Instruction zu verletzen, in der St, Louiser 
Zeitung von Gewalt herunter schwatzt, die ich nicht kenne noch 
kennen mag? Oder ist das Gewalt, wenn ich ihm 200 Acker Land 
die er verlangt nicht auf Credit gebe, weil er nur zu 80 berechtigt 
ist? Ist das Gewalt, wenn ich dem Begehren eines Herrn von 



68 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Philadelphia, der fiir zwei Actien drei gewohnliche und eine Wharf- 
lotte und noch 120 Acker Land wollte, kein Gehor gab? Oder wird 
das Gewalt genannt, wenn ich nicht Jedem der es verlangt Mehl 
und Fleisch u. s. w. fort und fort auf Credit gebe und noch Geld 
dazu leihe wenn es ihni beliebt? 

Sehen Sie mit solchen Leuten habe ich hie und da zu kampfen 
und gerade solche spielen manchmal auf kurze Zeit die Hauptrolle 
bis sie die Mehrzahl kennt. Als Mann von Erfahrung wissen Sie 
das eben so gut wie ich und Sie werden mir gewiss auch diese miss- 
muthige Abschweifung zu Gute halten. 

Wie ich Ihnen im letzten Briefe andeutete, ist nun alle Vor- 
kehrung zu einer Ferry getroffen. Auf welche Weise solche betrie- 
ben werden soil muss die Erfahrung lehren und die Verwaltungs- 
kommittee wird mir dabey an die Hand gehen. Das Landausniessen, 
welches mit vielen Schwierigkeiten verkniipft ist, da die meisten 
Eckbaume durch das Waldfeuer zerstort sind, wird nachste Woche 
wieder seinen Anfang nehmen und ich werde keine Muhe scheuen 
Alle die rechtlich Land anzusprechen haben, zufrieden zu stellen, 
nach den Vorschriften die mir dieserwegen in meiner Instruction 
gegeben sind. Mancher der bisher die Deutsche Ansiedhmgsgesell- 
schaft als eine melkende Kuh betrachtet hat, wird sich freylich ge- 
tauscht fiihlen und, wie gewohnlich, rasonieren. Doch das scheert 
mich nicht. 

In der Stadt sind nun 142 gewohnliche Lotten und 19 Wharf- 
lotten in Beschlag genommen, die doch nach der Vorschrift inner- 
halb eines Jahres bebaut werden miissen. Das Land an der Frain 
Creek ist alles, an der Little Berger Branch sehr bedeutend, und an 
der Coal Creek beynahe alles aufgenommen. 

Die grossten Bedurfnisse konnten durch eine Sagemiihle und 
Mahlmiihle beseitigt werden. Zu diesem fehlt uns aber die Was- 
serkraft an der Frain Creek. Solche an die Big Berger oder First 
Creek zu setzen, w^o wir auch Miihlsitze haben, ist von keinem 
wesentlichen Nutzen, da solche bey den noch unfahrbaren Wegen 
von der Colonic nicht benutzt werden konnten. Herr Setzer von 
Washington (Mo.), der friiher eine Dampfsage- und Mahlmiihle 
beabsichtigte, ist zu angstlich in der Sache, da er gar keine Kennt- 
niss von solchem Betrieb hat. Herr Schiefer zeigte bey seinem 
Hiersevn grosse Lust etwas derartiges ins Werk zu setzen und ich 
versprach ihm, dass die Muttergesellschaft . gewiss alles mogliche 
thun wird, ihn zu unterstiitzen. Den Fuss Bretter miissen wir zu 
23^ bis 3 Cents bezahlen, wo wir es hier zu i bis ij^ Cents gesagt 
tekommen konnten, und das Holz kostet uns nichts. Der Buschel 
Weizen wiirde uns zu $1.00, das Buschel Korn oder Rocken zu 50 
Cents, und Mais oder Welschkorn zu 40 Cents geliefert bey grossen 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 69 

Quantitaten, unci so miissen wir fiir Weizenmehl $4.00 per 100 lbs., 
Rockenmehl $3.00 per 100 lbs., und Maismehl }i — i Thlr. per 
Buschel bezahlen und noch dazu 10 bis 20 Meilen weit dafiir gehen, 
da die Miihlen in der Nahe herum meistens in einem unbrauch- 
baren Zustande sind. Wenn nur irgend Jemand von den vielen 
Capitalisten im Osten etwas in der Lage thun wiirde oder die 
Gesellschaft im Stande ware einige tausend Thaler darauf zu ver- 
wenden, dass wir eine gute Dampfsage- und Mahlmiihle bekamen. 
Herr Hoch oder High in Reading, welcher auch in der Gesellschaft 
betheiligt ist, soil eine ganz neue Dampfmaschine besitzen, welche 
man sehr billig und unter vortheilhaften Bedingungen auf Credit 
bekommen konnte. In einem Jahr hatte sich die Sache bezahlt und 
der Colonie bliebe vieles Geld in der Tasche. 

Eine Bittschrift fiir eine Postoffice ist bereits eingeschickt und 
da zu gleicher Zeit eine solche in der Gegend von Lyle westlich des 
Gasconade abgesandt wurde, so ist es ohne Zweifel, dass wir bald 
unsern Wunsch in dieser Hinsicht erfiillt sehen. Ja der Posthalter 
in Washington (Mo.) versicherte mich, dass die Poststation fur 
unsern Platz schon besprochen und bestimmt worden sey ehe nur 
unsere Suplick an Ort und Stelle gelangt sey. 

Wir haben manches durchzukampfen, doch wird Alles gut 
gehen. So haben im Anfang die Capitaine der Dampfboote unsere 
Landung verschrieen und es wurden mir manche Vorwiirfe dess- 
hal'b gemacht. Jetzt landen sie alle nach Herzenslust wenn sie 
Fracht oder Pasagire fiir uns haben und werden spater wenn wir 
ihnen Lebensmittel zum Verkauf anbieten konnen, auch bey uns 
iibernachten. 

Mit vieler Achtung griisst Sie mit dem Wunsche mich der 
Muttergesellschaft zu empfehlen 

Ihr G. F. Bayer, G. Ag. 

Hermann, August ipten, 1838. 
An den Verwaltungsrath der deutschen Ansiedlungsgesellschaft. 
Geehrte Herrn ! 

Durch die neuen Ankommlinge sind mir Briefe zugekommen, 
die mir endlich doch einmal die Quellen zeigen, woraus die Heim- 
lichkeiten entsprangen, die der Verwaltungs-Rath besonders in der 
letzten Zeit gegen mich beobachtete. 

Warum, meine Herrn, verdammt man mich ohne mich iiber 
die mir aufgebiirdeten Verlaumdungen zu horen. Ich muss frey- 
lich hier oft energisch handeln, wenn nicht das gesellschaftliche 
Vermogen alien nach Belieben preissgegeben werden soil. Z. B. 
im Aufang verlangte man, dass ich fiir Arbeit per Tag $1.25 zahlen 



70 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

solle. Ich that es nicht, weil Amerikaner sich fiir bedeutend weniger 
anboten. Es giebt wirklich noch solche die unverschamt genug sind, 
den Tagelohn zu verlangen, wenn ihnen Land angewiesen wird. 
Herr Krauters Monopol $1.75 per Tag ist nun gebrochen, da die 
Leute welche bauen nicht gerne mehr bezahlen als hier iibUch ist. 
Was die Association mit Widersprecher betrifft, so erklare ich jeden 
als einen infamen Liigner der solches sagt. Der Bretterhandel mit 
demselben ist ebenfalls eine erdichtete Liige; ja ich kann sogar 
beweisen, dass derselbe mir die Bretter hoher ansetzte als er sie 
Andern verkaufte, was mich veranlasste, keine von ihm zu kaufen, 
wodurch ich nun ausserordentlich gehindert bin im Baue meines 
Hauses. Wenn Widersprecher sein merkantilisches Interesse so 
hoch stellt als Andere ihr personliches und wahrend meiner Ab- 
wesenheit Bretter kauft, die Krauter mit sammt seinem Anhang 
nicht kaufen konnte und sich dann fiir seine Miihe bezahlen lasst, 
so kann ich das nicht hindern, besonders wenn derselbe solche um 
einen Preiss erlasst, den wir alle jetzt gern bezahlen wiirden wenn 
sie nur zu bekommen waren. 

Handel werde ich nie treiben, auch wenn ich nicht mehr Agent 
bin, indem es mit meinen Prinzipien nicht iibereinstimmt. Ueber- 
haupt Jeder der sagt dass ich meine Instruction iiberschritten babe 
ist ein Liigner, und zwar so lange bis er mir es beweisst. Glauben 
Sie ja nicht, dass es mir einerlei ist was man von mir spricht und in 
einem Korper spricht mit dem ich Hand in Hand zu gehen mir vor- 
genommen habe, und denen niitzlich zu seyn, die jetzt, zum Theile, 
so undankbar an mir handeln. 

Was das Land betrifft, so bin (ich) eben so wenig im Stande, 
andern Leuten zu verwehren Land zu enteriren wenn sie Lust und 
Geld dazu haben, so hat z. B. Schonthaler, Setzer und noch meh- 
rere andere Amerikaner und Deutsche seit der Zeit, ja vor kurzer 
Zeit drey Herrn von Charleston uber 600 Acker in der Nahe unserer 
Besitzung aufgekauft. Leimer der nun durch Umgehung unserer 
Gesetze 300 Acker hat und auf den Namen seines Vaters und Bru- 
ders noch zweymal 80 Acker nehmen will, sobald die von mir ver- 
langte Vollmacht da ist, soil letzte Woche bedeutend Congressland 
gekauft haben und namentlich ein 40 Ackerstiick das ich, nachstens 
wenn ich nach St. Louis kommen wiirde mir vorgenommen hatte 
zu enteriren, und vorlaufig an Herrn Staffhorst abgegeben hatte. 
Bekommen wir noch einige auf den Hals wie' Herr Leimer, so hat 
die Ansiedlung einige Landspekulanten in ihrer nachsten Nahe, und 
die Armen konnen ihre 40 Acker Stiickchen 8 — 10 Meilen weit 
suchen. 

Wenn nicht die Certificate und die Duplicate hierher geschickt 
werden so weiss ich nicht wie Ordnung in die Geschafte kommen 



iAnd its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 71 

soil. Alles was ich bisher gethan, habe ich memorirt, so gut es sich 
thun Hess, in das Rekordbuch kann aber doch nur solches Land ein- 
getragen werden fiir welches mit Actien-Certificaten bezahlt worden 
ist. Nun haben viele Glieder nicht einmal eine bestimmte Quittung 
Oder sind bios in der Alien und Neucn Welt quittirt, was soil man 
da machen, besonders wenn man sich auf die Liste nicht verlassen 
kann, Alle die Leute hier bestehen darauf, dass man ihnen, da sie 
nun auf dem Platze der Ansiedlung eingetroffen sind, ihre Actien- 
Certificate ohnentgeldlich zuschicken miisse. 

Ferner fehlen uns die Notifikationen der Muttergesellschaft 
liber die im Laufe der Monate Mai, Juni und Juli eingeschickten 
Beschliisse unserer Colonie. 

Hinsichtlich der Stadt selbst muss ich bemerken, dass ich solche 
nach den Lokalitatsveranderungen ausgelegt habe, und mit Herrn 
Wesselhoeft den neuen Plan an die Muttergesellschaft gelangen zu 
lassen gedenke, der nun ausgefiihrt werden kann. 

Auf das Reserveland haben wir den Begrabnissplatz gelegt, 
und was uns nun siidlich der Stadt an solchem fehlt, indem wir nur 
iiber unser Eigenthum und nicht iiber fremdes zu disponiren haben, 
so wurden dafiir westlich iiber 400 Acker reservirt, und Land dem 
Flusse entlang ist der Stadt von grosserem Nutzen als Land ein- 
warts. 

Herr Wagenschwanz ist angelangt und es scheint, dass er mir 
viele Miihe machen wird. Derselbe hat eine Vollmacht oder viel- 
mehr Ueberschreibung von Rosenberg fiir 4 nicht ganz bezahlte 
Actien und 4 spricht er selbst an. Den Rest meint er solle man ihm 
schenken fiir seine grosse Miihe die er mit der Gesellschaft gehabt 
habe. Ich sagte ihm dass wenn er noch $20 bezahle so seye er be- 
rechtigt zu 6 Actien was ihm aber nicht zusagt. 

Wir miissen uns nun sehr beeilen wenn wir uns dieses Jahr in- 
corporiren lassen wollen, ob als Stadt oder als Gesellschaft ist eine 
Frage iiber die man sich verstandigen sollte, ebenfalls, wenn ersteres 
der Fall, was denen auf dem Lande fiir Gerechtsame zugestanden 
werden konnten. Herr Leupold ist derowegen nach St. Louis ge- 
reist um Rath bey einem Advokaten einzuholen, der unser Interesse 
so wenig kennt, als ich die Walder von Polen. Ich empfehle mich 
bestens als 

Ihr ergebener 

G. F. Bayer, G. A. 

We are indeed fortunate in having these few letters. They 
are like brands rescued from the fire. They corroborate our state- 
ment regarding the disposition and characteristics of the colonists. 



^2 The Germ-an Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

They defend the agent, if he need a defense, against the viru- 
lent attacks of his adversaries. It is our private opinion that some 
of the settlers were narrow enough to heap their vituperation 
upon this man, because, of the six hundred dollars, the 80 acres 
of land at cost price, and the unfinished log-house which were of- 
fered him for his hundred-fold services to the corporation. 

Despite all the objections made to the controlling officer, the 
colony seems to have grown and flourished. The proof for this 
we will take largely out of the mouths of the colonists themselves. 
The "Alte und Neue Welt" contains the substance of a letter of 
those very pioneers of 1837-38 : 

^ „Wir haben einen Brief, unterzeichnet von mehreren Mitglie- 
dern der ,,Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft" aus Hermann, Staat 
Missouri, erhalten. Diese Herren schreiben, dass ihnen der Platz 
der Ansiedlung sehr gefallt, dass das Wasser gut, die Gegend ge- 
sund und eine der schonsten zum Bau einer Stadt am Missouri ist, 
soweit sie die Ufer dieses Flusses besucht hatten. Sie bemerken 
in ihrem Briefe, nachtheiligen Geriichten iiber die Gegend keinen 
Glauben beizumessen und ziehen den Ort der Ansiedlung den Ufern 
des Gasconade vor, wo es lange nicht so gesund sei."* 

In all these reports we are made to feel, that the chief desire 
is to push the undertaking to its wished-for culmination. This 
tone likewise prevails in the report of the president as well as in 
the appeals of the secretary. 

Just one instance may be given here. On April 25, '38, a 
committee, composed of Julius Leupold, F. Schreiber and C. 
Staffhorst, appointed to examine the books of the treasurer, re- 
ported : 

„Dass diese Biicher auf eine Weise gefiihrt worden sind, welche 
keine verstandliche Uebersicht derselben zulasst." 

(This condition was later adjusted according to sound busi- 
ness principles.) But in the semi-annual report of the president. 



* A. und N. W. of January 27, li 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 73 

submitted April 14, '38, when he could not have had reliable in- 
formation concerning the treasury, he nevertheless indulges in a 
glowing account, which as he proceeds becomes quite speculative 
and even visionary. We quote from it here: 

/^,Unsere Kasse hat schon jetzt nach Tilgung aller Schulden 
einen reinen Ueberschuss von mehr als Tausend Thaler. Dazu 
kommen noch die Riickstande einzelner Mitglieder, deren Betrag 
ich im Bericht nicht angegeben finde, die aber ebenfalls eine nicht 
unbedeutende Summe ausmachen. Ausser diesem hat die Gesell- 
schaft noch iiber tausend Aktien" (blank slips of paper merely) 
„die nach deni jetzigen Preise mindestens 50,000 Thaler Werth 
sind, so wie iiber 80 Wasserstrassen-Lotten in Hermann" (building 
lots along the Alissouri River) „wie iiber 12,000 Acker Landes, dass 
zum mindesten Preise 24,000 Thaler einbringt, zu verkaufen, 

Im Ganzen stellt sich also nach Befriedigung aller personlichen 
Anspriiche sammtlicher Aktionare, ein reines Vermogen von circa 
90,000 Thalern Werth heraus, welches Gemeingut der Aktionare 
ist." 



To the cool-headed business man such a summary could not 
appeal. Some of the shareholders understood and appreciated 
the conditions, but, with but few exceptions, all desired the ac- 
complishment of the undertaken task, either for the sake of pre- 
serving and fostering things German in America, or (and in this 
rubric falls the greater number) to gain a more comfortable and 
independent livelihood than had been theirs in Europe, A letter 
from Hermann, printed anonymously in the "Anseiger des Wes- 
tens" and copied in the "Alte mid Neiie Welt," bears evidence to 
both phases of the question discussed. 

Hermann, d. i. Juni 1838.* 
Werther Herr Weber! 

Ich will Ihnen eine getreue Ansicht von dem Zustand 

mid den Hoffnungen Hermann's geben. 

Es ist nicht alles so wie der Prasidial-Bericht vom 14. April 
d. J. meldet. Es war ein Fehler, Einem Manne, ohne gehorige 



* A. und N. A. of July 7, i? 



74 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Kontrole, so viel Macht einzuraumen. Diesem ist jetzt abgeholfen, 
weil wir dem General-Agenten eine Verwaltungs-Kommittee zur 
Seite gesetzt. Gewiss ist's, dass ein besserer Platz fur die Zwecke 
der Gesellschaft nicht leicht hatte gefunden werden konnen. Die 
Lage der Stadt Hermann verspricht viel als eine Stadt im Innern, 
der Platz ist gesund, geschiitzt vor Ueberschwemmungen, reich an 
Wasserquellen, und von einem frtichtbaren und romantischen Land- 
striche umgeben. Die finanziellen Verhaltnisse der Gesellschaft sind 
bei vveitem nicht so gut als man ervvartet, aber dessen ungeachtet 
vvird fiir mehrere Jahre ein hinreichender Fond vorhanden sein, 
um die Stadt verschonern und vielen Arbeitern Verdienst geben zu 
konnen; zumal wenn alle Riickstande einkommen. . . . 

Es wohnen hier bereits neben Ober- und Niederlandern, 
Schweizer, Franzosen, Schotten und Amerikaner, welche aber sicher- 
Hch nicht mit den ,, Natives" zu verwechseln sind. Es ist ein treuer 
unverdorbener Menschenschlag, wie man ostlich nicht mehr findet. 
Die innvvohnenden Amerikaner interessiren sich sehr fiir Hermann, 
welches indess schon in ihrem eigenen Interesse liegt. Aus Obigem 
werden Sie schon ersehen, dass die Aussichten fiir Hermann nicht 
anders als sehr gut sein konnen. 

Von den Fremden, welche hierher kamen, ist fast keiner wieder 
fortgegangen, ohne vorher einen Bauplatz oder Land genommen zu 
liaben, in der Absicht, sobald als moglich zuriickzukommen und sich 
anzusiedeln. Viele sind schon hauslich eingerichtet und betreiben 
burgerliche Geschafte. Man kann hier alle moglichen Sachen billig 
bekommen, es giebt bereits gute Boardinghauser, und unser Cigar- 
renfabrikant liefert sehr gute Ware zu 4 Doll. pr. 1000 Stiick. Die 
innwohnenden Amerikaner liefern uns Lebensmittel, die nicht 
theuer sind. Butter 123^ cent, Eier 125^ c, Schweinefleisch 8 c, 
Hirschfleisch 2 c, Mehl 4 c, Welschkorn 50 c. pr. Bushel. 

Es ware zu wiinschen. dass wir die ganze Verwaltung jetzt bald 
hierher bekamen und dass recht bald uber den Zustand der Kasse 
der Deutschen Ansiedhmgs-Gesellschaft hinreichende Auskunft ge- 
geben und formliche Rechnung abgelegt wurde. Wir wiirden dann 
im Stande sein unsere Mittel besser zu iibersehen um unsere Unter- 
nehmungen darnach einrichten zu konnen. 

Wir woUen jetzt um Einrichtung einer Postoffice nachsuchen. 
Bis jetzt werden unsere Brief e nach Bridgeport. Warren County, 
Mo., adressirt." 

In the next to the last paragraph of the above letter, we 
have an early outcropping of a sentiment which soon grew into a 
demand. Of this demand we shall have yet to speak at length. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 75 

However, before we deal with this graver side of our theme we 
desire to give place to some more information regarding the 
growth of the colony. This information coming as it does from 
presumably authentic and veracious individuals must prove valu- 
able as well as interesting. We must regret that for reasons 
known to himself the editor has not published the names of the 
authors of some of these letters. 

Hermann, Mo., den 13. Marz 1839.* 

Unsere Ansiedlung geht prachtig von Statten; taglich treffen 
neue Ankommlinge hier ein ; iiber 50 neue Hauser sind dem Auf rich- 
ten nahe und unsere unheilverkiindenden Landsleute, denen ahn- 
liche Unternehmungen scheiterten, oder die durch uns sich beein- 
trachtigt glaubten, streichen ihre feindlichen Flaggen und suchen 
bei uns Bred und Unterkommen. . . . Lassen Sie sich durch Ge- 
riichte xiber hier stattgefundene Storungen nicht irre leiten; durch 
Consequenz, Streben nach Wahrheit und verniinftiges Ausharren 
wird auch das Schwierigste beseitigt und Alles arbeitet nun einig, 
freudig vorwarts ; die Lots gehen jetzt reissend ab und seiche welche 
gut gelegen sind, warden aus zweiter Hand fiir 150 Doll, gekauft 
und steigen taglich an Werth. Wharf-Lots werden, nach Lage, 
auf 4 bis 500 Doll, gehalten. — Hauschen von circa 200 Doll, an 
Werth, vermiethen sich zu 5 Doll, per Monat und tragen also 30 
Procent ein. Der Preis des Landes ist nun auf 2}^ Doll, im Durch- 
schnitt festgesetzt, da eine Eintheilung in Classen unzweckmassig 
erschien, eine Taxation nicht gut moglich und zu kostspielig war, 
und so alle billig denkenden Interessenten zufrieden sein konnen. 
Der Missouri war gestiegen, sieht aber seit einigen Tagen wieder 
triib aus. Drei Dampfbote landeten hier und brachten uns eine 
Menge Fremde." 

In an earlier part of this work, we called attention to the in- 
terest the Philadelphia Society aroused in Germany. Then we 
recorded an appeal which an editor made to his countrymen to 
support such a laudable undertaking. Now we are about to 
chronicle a tangible proof that the seed sown by the American 
society was about to bear fruit. 

In May, 1839, the officers of the Philadelphia Society re- 
ceived a communication from one F. G. Sprewitz, a lawyer by 



*A. und N. W. of April 6th. 1839. 



76 The German Settlement Soeiety of Philadelphia 

profession, in Lauenburg, on the Elbe. It appears that the good 
reports of the Hermann colony had been heard beyond the At- 
lantic, and given an incentive for the organization of a "Neue 
dentsclie Ansiedliings-Gesellschaft." Air. Sprewitz inclosed a 
copy of the constitution of this organization, in the name of the 
European body, he expressed the wish that this constitution be 
published in the official organ of the Philadelphia Society together 
with the overtures to consolidate the two societies into one grand 
and mighty body. Though the American Germans did not feel 
inclined to enter upon this proposition, it will be of interest, nev- 
ertheless, to read the article of the Lauenburger : 

,,Am 27. August 1836 ward in Philadelphia die sogenannte 
deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft gestiftet, deren Zweck gleich An- 
fangs darin bestand, durch Aktien zu 25 Doll, ein Kapital zu gewin- 
nen, um davon in einem der nordamerikanischen Freistaaten Land 
zur Ansiedlung und wo moglich zur Griindung einer Stadt ankau- 
fen zu konnen. Der Erfolg war so uberaus lohnend, dass die Actie 
schon vor Ablauf eines Jahres 50 Doll, gait, und dass im Friihjahr 
vorigen Jahres von den Capitalien der Gesellschaft die neue Stadt 
Hermann im Missouristaate mit 2200 Bauplatzen gegriindet ward. 
Dies bei den giinstigen Verhaltnissen jenes schonen Landes ganz 
natiirliche Gelingen brachte mehrere Actieninhaber auf die Idee, 
dass ein noch glanzenderes Resultat zu erwarten sein mochte, wenn 
in Deutschland selbst, einem der Hauptzufliisse der Bevolkerung 
Nord-Amerika's, eine seiche Niederlassungs-Gesellschaft gegriindet 
wiirde. In der That scheint auch Auswanderungslustigen nichts 
willkommener sein zu konnen, als ein Vereinigungspunkt, den ihnen 
die zu stiftende Stadt, wo sie ein wohlfeiles und unverlierbares 
Eigenthum besitzen, darbieten wiirde, — ein Vereinigungspunkt, 
wo man deutsche Sprache und Sitte wieder vorfindet. Besonders 
wird den Aelteren, welche fiir die Zukunft ihrer Kinder im iiber- 
volkerten Geburtslande besorgt sind, und denjenigen, welche Be- 
forderer des Gemeinnutzens sind, oder welche ihr Geld auf eine 
sichere und zugleich gewinnreiche Weise unterzubringen wiinschen, 
eine neue deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft am Herzen liegen. 
Dieses Alles beriicksichtigend, hat Unterzeichneter nachstehende 
Statuten fiir eine „neue deutsche Niederlassungs-Gesellschaft" in 
Gemassheit einer an ihn ergangenen Aufforderung entworfen. 
Dieser Aufforderung lag vornehmlich zum Grunde, dass der gegen- 
wartige auf das Dreifache erhohte Werth der Actien der alten Ge- 
sellschaft eine Vergrosserung des Gesellschaftsvermogens durch 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. yy 

Hinzutreten neuer Mitglieder nicht mehr erwarten lasst, und zu- 
gleich die von der alten Gesellschaft, behufs Ermittelung passender 
Ansiedlungsorter, durch die kostspieligen Reisen eines bestimmten 
Deputirtenausschusses erworbenen Localnotizen, zum besten der 
neuen Gesellschaft benutzt werden konnen."* 

F. G. Sprewitz, Advokat. 
Lauenburg, ini Marz 1839. 

This shows how popular the movement had become even be- 
yond the sea. The Philadelphians did not favor the proposition 
and it soon fell into forgetfulness without bearing any fruit what- 
soever. 

Among the many valuable accounts and suggestions found in 
the "Alte und Ncue Welt," we find a letter from Hermann 
signed by three members. It is the last communication of this 
nature from the colony during the regime, under which it was or- 
ganized. We report it, because it gives an excellent picture of 
a prosperous, promising socialistic group, 

. Hermann, Mo., d. 15. Mai 1839. 

/„Wer jetzt das Gebiet der „deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft" 
betritt, wer es bedenkt, dass erst ein Jahr verflossen, seit die ersten 
Mitglieder der Gesellschaft hier Hand an's Werk legten, und wer 
es weiss, mit wie vielen Schwierigkeiten eine neue Ansiedlung zu 
kiimpfen hat, der kann es kaum glauben, dass in so kurzer Zeit und 
im Beginne durch so wenige Personen das bewirkt worden, was 
sich jetzt dem Blicke des aufmerksamen Beobachters darbietet. — 
Taglich kommen neue Ansiedler an, und man kann mit Bestimmt- 
heit annehmen, dass in den letzten drei Monaten im Durchschnitt 
jede Woche ein Haus aufgerichtet wurde. Man baut hier nur 
Frame- oder steinerne Hauser, indem die Blockhauser nicht mehr 
zu gef alien scheinen. Es sind jetzt gegen 90 Hauser erbaut und 
die Zahl der Bewohner belauft sich auf 450. 

Die Farmer, welche Land gekauft haben, eilen herbei und be- 
arbeiten es. Wir haben hier fast alle Geschaftsleute ; sie haben 
Arbeit und leben billig, Ein Mann, der sein Handwerk gut ver- 
steht, kann 12 Doll, die Woche verdienen, Es sind hier 5 Kauf- 
laden, zwei grosse Gasthauser und ein Postamt. Fiir eine katholi- 
sche und eine evangelische Kirche sind die Lots ausgesucht und das 

* A. und N. A. of May 25, 1839. 



yS The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Schulhaus ist im Ban begriffen. Zwei Jager-Compagriien haben 
sich hier gebildet. jede 50 Mann stark, nebst einem Musik-Chor mit 
Blech-Instrumenten. 

Man hat Eisenerz gefunden und nach mehreren Zeichen zu 
schliessen miissen auch Kohlenlager vorhanden sein. Der Missouri 
ist jetzt so hoch, dass die Dampfschiffe nahe an den Kaufladen am 
Wharf landen. 

Alles ist hier guten Muthes und strebt freudig vorwarts. 

J. N. StiihHnger, 
Aug. Leonhard, 
F. W. Pommer.* 



The tone of this letter is hopeful, it is encouraging. Despite 
the petty protests offered by some of the participants, to existing 
conditions at Hermann, the colony grew apace. Fundamentally 
the society was sound. Though individual differences and per- 
sonal opinions sometimes threw the settlers into hostile camps, 
after all the original plans were rather closely adhered to, for the 
accomplishment of the proposed end. 

On July 23, 1838, an enterprise was begun at the colony, 
which, though it did not succeed in yielding the full measure of 
good expected of it, was nevertheless, an encouraging sign of 
the American help-yourself spirit. The growth of the colony was 
encumbered by the want of a grist and saw mill. It seemed im- 
possible for the home society to render aid. Therefore a num- 
ber of settlers bent on bringing about this commodity and at the 
same time introducing a lucrative business, organized a milling 
company. The nucleus of the new enterprise was formed by a 
group of men, who, with two exceptions, had hitherto been to- 
tally inactive in the management of affairs. The names appear- 
ing subjoined to the writ of incorporation are the following: 
Joseph Snyder, Henry Wiemann, D. Widersprecher, Geo. F. 
Bayer, Fried. Leupold, Fried. Miihlenbach. It was a stock com- 
pany. Each share cost $25, payable in five equal payments, due 
during the period from Aug. i, 1838, to Jan. i, 1839. The max- 



*A. und N. W. of June 15, 1839. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 79 

imum cost of the mill was set at $2,500.00. Although the changes 
that were soon to be made at Hermann prevented this company 
from actually going into operation, it is nevertheless a sign of 
progress not to be overlooked. 

To facilitate and encourage the work of colonization, and to 
assist incoming colonists, a bureau of information was organized 
in St. Louis. One Neumann, residing on "lower Market Street," 
issued certificates of purchase, and instructed the travelers as to 
the most convenient ways of travel to Hermann. Branch offices 
were also established with Schachleiter, of Pittsburg; Charles 
Liebau, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Hunn, of Louisville, Kentucky. 

5. The Separation of the Colony from the Parent 

Society. 

It now becomes our duty to chronicle the closing scenes of 
the Philadelphia Society and the beginnings of independent ac- 
tivity at Hermann. 

To the minds of the unselfish fathers of the German Settle- 
ment Society of Philadelphia it had never occurred that the spirit 
of ungratefulness, the desire for self aggrandizement, an appar- 
ent disregard of the rights of others would so soon dominate the 
settlers of that colony which their ardor, their devotion and self- 
sacrifice had succeeded in establishing — a colony that still stands, 
in a slightly altered form, as a monument to those noble sons of 
old Germany. Yet such were their bitter experiences. Such was 
to be their sore disappointment. The ideal heights could not be 
reached. The way was full of hindrances. They had overesti- 
mated the power, the determination and willingness of their fol- 
lowers to overcome them. Scarcely had the task of winning the 
wild tract for the abode of man begun, when here and there a 
voice was raised arguing the advantages of a severance from the 
home society. The occasional murmurs soon became frequent and 
bold. To the unbiased observer they now seem rather premature. 
If for no other reason than the prestige, which the undertaking 
derived from the connection with highly-esteemed Germans, re- 



8o The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

siding at the very cradle of Germanism in America, the separa- 
tion of the Colony from the home society should have been de- 
layed. In proportion as the old fighters for the good cause were 
pushed into the background, in that proportion general interest 
waned. The great mass of argument produced to hasten the 
transfer of the governing body to the colony may very well be 
expressed in the language of the Jewish mob : "Wir wollen nicht 
dass diese (r) iiber uns herrsche (n)." Some of their reasons 
were, of course, cogent and well-founded. This we shall see in 
the course of our discussion. 

The home society had never entertained the intention of ex- 
ercising continued supervision over the colony. Its primary pur- 
pose had always been the founding of a home for things German 
on the western continent, and it was deemed best to have this ex- 
periment centralized in a town where the beneficent influences of 
culture could work to the best advantage and to surround this 
town with colony farms from which should be derived the major 
portion of the means of subsistence. It had always been under- 
stood, as in the nature of things it was l)ut rational to understand, 
that the colonists should govern themselves as soon as they were 
found strong enough to do so, and offered sufficient guarantee of 
the absolute safety of the interests of all stockholders. It so hap- 
pened that many capable men went to the colony early — some of 
the best the society had on its roster. They were eager to have 
absolute self-government. And we can not blame them for that. 
The distance to Philadelphia was so great and communication so 
slow that many inconvenient delays occurred. Then too the home 
society could not appreciate in the fullest measure the conditions 
and pressing needs of the colony. But still we believe that a firm 
connection with the Philadelphia men, tried and not found want- 
ing, would have, in itself, argued better and more convincingly 
than a thousand letters of promise, assurance and commendation 
on the part of the colonists. For the sake of the ultimate good, 
for a means of advertisement as well as advertising, for a positive 
guarantee of the good intention of the whole undertaking the old 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 8i 

society should have been kept at the hehn longer than it was per- 
mitted to stay. 

The first concession of power, acquiescing- to urgent requests 
from Hermann, was miade on July 2nd, '38, when the Board of 
Managers, after learning positively that Bayer could not supervise 
the affairs alone, voted : 

„So halt der Vervvaltungs-Rath es fiir nothwendig die Gesetz- 
gebung und Verwaltung den Mitgliedern in Hermann soweit zu 
iibertragen, als es die Localitat und die Bediirfnisse der Mitglieder 
erheischen." 

This suggestion was favorably received, and the Board of 
Managers at once instructed to work out a definite plan pointing 
towards the transfer. The board was charged to submit their re- 
port within 5 days. This body promptly complied with the order, 
and on July 7th, the society accepted the report unmodified. The 
resolutions were prefaced by these reasons why a partial transfer 
was deemed advisable. 

1. Because a large number of shareholders already resided 
at and around Hermann, they might be safely intrusted with a 
proportionate share of the management and responsibility. It 
was deemed especially desirable to do so, since they were most 
intilmately acquainted with the local needs and possibilities. 

2. Because the agent, G. F. Bayer, for unknown reasons, 
had failed to abide by his instructions and it was not known if he 
had even performed his first duty of appointing a controlling 
committee. 

3. Because the affairs of the society were speedily approach- 
ing that period when a transfer of the entire management would 
become imperative, and a balancing of all accounts necessary. 
Therefore, it was resolved that the following men, Julius Leupold, 
E. C. Staffhorst, W. Senn, M. Krauter and W. L. Henrich, 
should call a meeting of all the colonists for the purpose of effect- 
ing the permanent organization of an executive committee. The 
report continues thus : 

„Die Versammlung hat alsdann einen Prasidenten, einen Vice- 



82 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Prasidenten, einen Sekretair, einen Schatzmeister und fiinf Trusties 
zii wahlen. Der Prasident, Vice-Prasident und Sekretair der exe- 
cutiven Committee, nebst vier von der letzteren zu wahlenden Mit- 
glieder sollen eine spezielle Committee bilden, deren Pflicht es sein 
soil, unverziiglich den General-Agenten Herrn Bayer zur Abrech- 
nung aufzufordern, welche letzterer vor der genannten speziellen 
Committe abzulegen hierdurch verpflichtet ist und zwar innerhalb 
vierzehn Tagen von dem Tage an gerechnet, an welchem diese Auf- 
forderung an ihn gemacht wird. 

Die besagte spezielle Committee soil ferner bewirken, dass alle 
in den Handen des General-Agenten befindlichen Gelder und son- 
stiges Eigenthum der Gesellschaft, welches von dem General-Agen- 
ten noch nicht an die Trusties der Gesellschaft iiberschrieben wor- 
den ist, von jenem an die von der executiven Committee gewahlten 
fiinf Trusties iibergeben werde, Der General-Agent ist hierdurch 
verpflichtet, solche Uebergabe der vorhergehenden Bestimmung ge- 
mass zu machen. 

Die mehrgenannte spezielle Committee soil ferner das Amt und 
die Pflichten der in der Instruktion des General-Agenten angeord- 
neten controlierenden Committee iibernehmen. Dabei soil jedoch 
die Abanderung stattfinden, dass zur Suspension des General- 
Agenten die Uebereinstimmung von vier Mitgliedern der genannten 
speziellen Committee und die Mehrheit der executiven Committee 
erforderlich sein soil. Die spezielle Committee soil ferner die 
Pflicht haben wenigstens alle zwei Wochen an die executive Com- 
mittee, sowohl als die Gesellschaft umstandlich Bericht iiber den 
Fortgang ihrer Geschafte zu erstatten. 

Die executive Committee soil sich regelmassig wenigstens alle 
zwei Wochen versammeln und der Gesellschaft wenigstens alle vier 
Wochen Bericht iiber den Fortgang ihrer Geschafte abstatten. Die 
executive Committee soil ferner die von ihr zu erwahlenden funf 
Trusties sowie den Schatzmeister unter passende Verbindlichkeiten 
legen, um die Gesellschaft vor Schaden zu hiiten. 

Ueberhaupt wird der executiven Committee empfohlen, ihre 
Geschafte innerhalb der genannten Grenzen dahin zu leiten, dass 
sobald als moglich, die Gesellschaft zu der Ueberzeugung kommen 
moge, dass es mit ihrer Sicherheit und ihrem besten Gedeihen iiber- 
einstimme die ganze Regierung der Gesellschaft nach der Stadt 
Hermann zu verlegen. 

Wilhelm Schmoele, Pras. 

Philadelphia, am 7ten Juli 1838. 

It is at once seen that by these resolutions the agent's duties 
were curtailed to such an extent that scarcely more than the 
name of the office remained. Obviously one of the purposes of 



And its Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. 83 

the action was to have this officer supervised by a strong and vig-- 
orous and obedient body. From now on the agent appears only 
as a figure head, and early in October the unfortunate man was 
released from his position entirely. He had worked hard and 
self-sacrificingly for the company. He had left a good and peace- 
ful employment and subjected himself and family to great hard- 
ship. There is no doubt whatsoever in our mind, that he did all 
within the power of one man and he did even more. Because of 
the extremely strenuous service to the colony, he contracted se- 
rious illness. The nervous strain, brought upon him, at this time, 
through evidences of distrust from selfish, ignorant, and even 
caluminious contemporaries, finally broke his strength and in 
March. 1839, he died. His remains now rest in a remote corner 
of the town cemetery, which he had laid out with his own hand. 
A modest marble slab marks his final resting-place. The simple 
inscription bears little more than his name and the dates Sept. 27, 
t8oo, and March 18, 1839. 

As to the colony — the resolutions gave the members prospect 
of early self government. It now virtually depended upon the 
pioneers themselves, whether they would soon be independent or 
not. As soon as they could satisfy the home society beyond the 
least doubt that they were capable of managing the affairs judi- 
ciously and profitably and fairly for all stockholders, theirs was 
to be absolute freedom of action. 

The home society remained firm in the opinion that the trans- 
fer would be productive of mutual good. At least this was their 
position for a long while. The letters of Bayer of June 25th and 
July 3rd, were read on Aug. 2. They seem to have made but a 
slight impression on the members. Certainly they did not place 
the agent in a more favorable light with them. They only re- 
peated their demand for a settlement with that officer. The agent, 
by virtue of the power and authority vested in his office, had 
sold shares at Hermann. It was these sales that now worried 
the Philadelphians most of all. The agent had not reported the 
details of these transactions. This anxiety was quite natural, and 



84 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

even commendable, for the money represented the very life sub- 
stance of the organization. They did not understand then why 
their representative had not reported the details of his business 
at stated intervals. But even when on Sept. 6th, Bayer's letter 
of Aug. loth was read, in which he presented a plea for himself, 
even then they did not change their opinion of the affair. They 
only repeated for a third time their request for a speedy summing 
up of affairs, adding: 

„Dass die General- Versammlung (wenn es die Muttergesell- 
schaft fiir gut findet) von hier aus nach Hermann mit alien den 
Protokollen und Biichern der Gesellschaft u. s. w. verlegt werde." 

On November ist, the report of the special committee at 
Hermann was read. When on the 8th of October, Bayer's term 
of office came to a close, the special committee assumed control, 
binding the colony trustees — Senn, Henrich, Lehder, Wider- 
sprecher and Leupold by this contract : 

I. 

,jWir endesunterschriebenen Trustees der Deutschen Ansied- 
lungs-Gesellschaft in Hermann verpflichten uns hiedurch alle Ein- 
kaufe der Gesellschaft in unserem Namen, zum Besten der Gesell- 
schaft zu machen. 

II. 

Wir wollen das von dem General-Agenten, Herrn G. F. Bayer 
fiir die Gesellschaft gekaufte noch nicht uberschriebene Land sofort 
auf uns als Trustees, iiberschreiben und recordiren lassen. 

III. 

Alle welche Actien zu kaufen wiinschen soUen eine Order von 
der Mehrzahl von uns, als Trustees bekommen, nach welcher die 
Kaufgelder an den zeitigen Schatzmeister zu bezahlen sind, wel- 
cher ermachtigt ist einen Empfangschein dariiber auszustellen. 

IV. 

Wir verpflichten uns der speciellen Committee oder den zeiti- 
gen Beamten der Gesellschaft, oder im Fall die Stadt Hermann bis 



^And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 85 

dahin incorporirt seyn sollte, den Trustees der Stadt Hermann so- 
bald als fiir nothig erachtet werden sollte, alles uns iiberschriebene 
und sonst anvertraute Eigenthum der Gesellschaft zuriickschreiben 
zu lassen und abzuliefern. 

V. 

Wir wollen ein genaues Verzeichniss fiihren iiber die bereits 
verkauften und noch zu verkaufenden Actien und die zuriickgege- 
benen Actienscheine wollen wir sorgfaltig aufbewahren. 

VI. 

Alle in den Handen des General-Agenten befindlichen Gelder 
und sonstiges Eigenthum der Gesellschaft welches von dem General- 
Agenten noch nicht an die Trustees der Gesellschaft in Philadelphia 
iiberschrieben worden ist, soil von dem Agenten an die Trustees in 
Hermann iibergeben und von denselben in Empfang genommen 
werden. 

So geschehen — Hermann, 8. Oct. 1838." 

(Signatures.) 

Under date of Nov. 3rd, the "Alte und Neue Welt" con- 
tains the following resolutions signed by the executive committee 
at Hermann : 

,.Dass die Mitglieder hiermit aufgefordert seien, sich mit den 
Trustees hieselbst uber die in Beschlag genommenen Lots und 
Landereien sofort zu berechnen, und zwar bei Verlust ihrer An- 
spriiche darauf." 

From this, one can but conclude that some records had been 
loosely kept and that a readjustment was deemed necessary, and 
that vigorous measures were resorted to, to compel all concerned 
to come to a speedy settlement. 

tJp to this date the society had confidently looked forward 
to an early transfer. It was compelled to be conservative, how- 
ever, and to proceed slowly, because too many interests were in- 
volved in the venture. They proceeded entirely too slowly for 
the colonists, however. This is evidenced by a letter of the spe- 
cial committee at Hermann, dated December 27th, which assumes 



86 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

more the tone of a demand than that of a petition. It appears 
that the parent society was negligent about forwarding the nec- 
essary authority. This they forced upon the Philadelphians' at- 
tention in terms none too delicate. We quote from this letter, 
for the reason that it, in itself, reflects better the milieu in which 
it arose, than any abstract or translation we could make of it. 

,,Die bisherigen Fortschritte dieser Ansiedlung sind wahrlich 
die Friichte Ihrer Fiirsorge nicht, wohl aber gereicht der Gesell- 
schaft in Philadelphia zum gerechten Vorwurf, dass die Ansiedlung 
den viel hoheren Standpunkt noch nicht erreicht hat, den sie nun 
einnehmen mochte, hatten unverzeihliche Missgriffe und Vernach- 
lassigungen von Philadelphia aus, ihren Fortschritt nicht entgegen- 
gewirkt. Diese sind insonderheit : die Absendung eines fiir seine 
Verpflichtungen unfahigen Agenten, ohne alle speciclle schriftliche 
Instruktion von seiten der Trustees ; und nach dessen Absetzung, 
das Vorenthalten jeglicher, rechtskraftiger Vollmacht, welche die, 
an des Agenten Stelle erwahlte Committee nur ermachtigen konnte, 
an seiner Statt die Geschafte der Gesellschaft wahrzunehmen. Die 
von dort gesandten Instruktionen fiir die hier erwahlten Trustees 
waren nicht einmal nach der Verfassung unseres Privat-Vereins 
giiltig, da sie nur von zweien der dasigen Trustees unterzeichnet 
waren, nicht einmal soweit schenkte man einer so wichtigen Sache 
Aufmerksamkeit. 

Der hiesigen Verwaltung liegen unter anderen, die Pflichten 
ob : Deeds fiir Land und Stadt-Lots zu ertheilen — denn die in 
Philadelphia gedruckten Scheine konnen unmoglich als Deeds gel- 
ten, und viele der hiesigen Ansiedler haben auch diese nicht einmal 
— wo hat sie die Vollmacht dazu ? Ferner, Ausstande fiir Land und 
Lots einzuziehen, wo ist Kraft dazu im Weigerungsfalle ? Beson- 
ders driickend macht den Mangel an gerichtlicher Vollmacht, die 
Unrichtigkeit des von Herrn Bayer empfangenen Deeds, von Mrs. 
Phillips, iiber das Land worauf der ostliche Theil der Stadt Her- 
mann gelegen ist, und nach welchem uns dieses Land entschieden 
streitig gemacht werden kann, wird eine Berichtigung des Kauf- 
briefes nicht sofort und mit Umsicht betrieben! Wer hat gegen- 
wartig ein Recht hier die dazu nothigen Schritte zu thun, zu ver- 
langen? Die Stadt Hermann soil incorporirt werden, und ware 
es schon, aber auf wessen Grund und Boden? Wer ist Eigenthiimer 
oder Reprasentant? 

Wer soil unter diesen und vielen anderen imverhehlbaren Mdn- 
geln sich entschliessen, Grundeigenthum von dieser Gesellschaft zu 
kaufen? und mancher Gutgewillte hat sich auf diesen Grund hin 



\And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 87 

schon von uns zuriickgezogen ! Manche die da kauften, halten sich 
fiir hintergangen ! ! 

Den General-Deed iiber das von Bayer gekaufte Land, fast das 
wichtigste Document welches die Gesellschaft besitzt, erachtete man 
fiir gut, anstatt der Verwaltung hier, einem benachbarten Indivi- 
duum Behufs Recordirung einzusenden, fiir dessen Descretion und 
Sorgfalt sich keiner der Unterschriebenen zu verbiirgen wiinscht. 
Was ist aus dem Documente geworden? nach Philadelphia zuruck- 
gesandt ist es bis dato nicht ! Doch dies ist Ihre Sorge, uns nachst 
liegt im Namen aller deren, fiir welche wir zu handein verbunden 
sind die Aufforderung an Sie : 

Die Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft in Hermann ohne fer- 
neren unnothigen Aufschub in juridischen Besitz aller der Rechte 
und Vortheile zu setzen, welche sie von Ihnen zu fordern hat, und 
worauf sie, vertrauensvoll auf die Weisheit und Fiirsorge anderer 
nun schon zu lange verzichtet hat! 

Die unterzeichnete Committee rechnet somit zuversichtlich auf 
die prompteste Erfiillung ihres Ansuchens, und zeichnet 

Achtungsvoll, 

Julius Leupold, 
D. Widersprecher, 
Lud. Henrich, 
M. Krauter, 
Georg Rieffenstahl, 
Conrad Baer." 

There can be no doubt that some of the above statements are 
slightly magnified, in order to bring about a speedier decision 
and acquiescence on part of the officers at Philadelphia. 

It is plainly to be seen that the colonists would accept but one 
term and that was absolute separation from the old society. Under 
these conditions the originators of the movement must have 
looked forward to a separation with a certain anticipation of re- 
lief. 

Up to this point it had the appearance as if all the colonists 
desired the transfer. To the great surprise, as well as discomfort, 
it now came to light that the settlers entertained very different 
views concerning this question. In one of these hostile camps 
were grouped most of the towns folk, in the other all the agricul- 
turists and a few of their town sympathizers. The former cham- 



88 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

pioned the cause of the transfer, the latter sought to check it. The 
views of the opposition took tangible form in a long article of 
protest, written at Hermann, Feb. 22, 1839, and signed by Dan- 
iel Trautwein. 

It had been drawn up by these men, Fr. Hbsmann, Fr, Leu- 
pold and Daniel Trautwein, though only the latter affixed his sig- 
nature to it. This committee had been appointed on Feb. 19th at 
a special mjeeting of the opponents to the idea of the transfer. 
The incorporation of the town of Hermann had been sought for at 
the same time that negotiations were entered into for the trans- 
fer. -^The case was unmistakably plain, that if this incorporation 
took effect, if the town of Hermann became the custodian of the 
society property, then in the nature of things the town was the 
society. To this very amalgamation the country-folk most vig- 
orously objected. And why should they not? If the town-peo- 
ple carried their point, the farmers had been duped ; they had pro- 
moted an undertaking for the good of others ; they had failed to 
gain any returns for a great outlay. No wonder then that the 
loyal Trautwein indignantly bursts out : 

„Es handelt sich um Ausschliessung eines achtbaren, wichtigen 
und zahlreichen Theiles der Gesellschaftsmitglieder von alien Rech- 
ten und Vortheilen der Gesellschaft, um die Beraubung der Land- 
bewohner zum Besten der Stadt. Soil der Grundsatz der Rechts- 
gleichheit aller unserer Mitglieder schon am ersten Morgan unseres 
jungen Lebens niedergetreten und von einem deutschen Whigismus 
verschlungen werden?" 

Continuing, he points out, that it had not been the intention 
of the founders of the society to establish a town only, but "eine 
lebenvolle Deutsche Ansiedlung Landwirthe eben sowohl als 
Gewerbe teibende Stadter." Quite sensibly he remarks : 

„Wie hatte auch eine deutsche Stadt inmitten einer amerikani- 
schen Landbevolkerung eine Heimath fiir uns warden konnen? Eine 
Oase in der Wiiste — bald iiberweht von deren austrocknenden 
Sande ! Wir sollten ein Ganzes seyn, ein Ganzes bleiben, gleiche 
Rechte geniessen, ob wir es vorziehen sollten auf dem Lande oder 
in der Stadt zu leben." ■■ 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 89 

He condemns the presumptuousness of the townsfolk to at- 
tempt to become sole beneficiaries. He strengthens his point by 
showing that the farmers have the same constitutional right as all 
others, and could as well claim exclusive recognition as their vil- 
lage friends. 

The chief agitators urging an unconditional transfer, seem 
to have been D. Widersprecher and Julius Leupold. Both of 
them were rather eccentric and — selfish. They were forced to 
appear before the assembly of Feb. 19 at Hermann to explain 
their position and their action. They claimed to have acted upon 
the authority of a resolution of October 28th, 1838, according to 
which all the property of the society had been transferred to the 
town of Hermann. No one recalled such a resolution. An in- 
vestigation was instigated. The books contained not a syllable of 
such an act. Under the minutes of the special committee, how- 
ever, an unapproved resolution was found : 

„Dass es die hochste Zeit sei, um Inkorporirung der Stadt Her- 
mann bei der am 6ten des nachsten Monats sitzenden County Court 
nachzusuchen, zur Wahl von 5 Trustees der Stadt Hermann, wie 
das Gesetz sie vorschreibt, am nachsten Montag, als den 29ten Oc- 
tober, Mittags I Uhr, in der Wohnung des Herrn Lehder geschritten 
werden soil. Diese Trustees werden sodann, sobald die Stadt Her- 
mann incorporirt worden ist, das ganze Vermogen der Deutschen 
Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zum alleinigen Nutzen und Frommen der 
Stadt Hermann verwalten." 

This was a rather well planned ruse, designed to dupe the 
unsophisticated farmers, who, however, were too keenly awake 
to their rights. This incident marks an ugly blot on the record 
of the usually square dealing townspeople. Finding his party 
thus defeated at this point, J. Leupold undertook to misinterpret 
paragraph 3 of the constitution, presenting it in such a light as if 
the land owning members were not entitled to the same privileges 
as other shareholders. Of course he was instantly corrected by 
the opposition, for they knew only too well what part of the basic 
laws contained their support. 



90 The Gernmn Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

In conclusion Trautwein pleads for the rights of the rural 
constituency. He does this in a number of interrogations, more 
forceful than a series of declarations : 

„Worin bestanden denn unter Herrn Leupolds und Wider- 
sprechers System die Vorzuge der landbewohnenden Mitglieder des 
Vereins vor anderen umherwohnenden Nichtmitgliedern? Etwa 
darin, dass wir unser Land theurer bezahlen durfen als die vom 
Staate kaufenden Nichtmitglieder? Darin dass wir die Nachtheile 
zu tragen hatten, ohne die Vortheile geniessen zu diirfen? Wel- 
ches Reizmittel ware diess fiir Fremde unser Land um einen theu- 
reren Preis zu kaufen als sie es vom Staate haben konnen?" 

As was to be expected, this communication caused the Mut- 
tergesellschaft to reflect, and to postpone the transfer indefinitely. 
Previous to the arrival of this letter, Wesselhoeft, Schmidt and 
Feuring had been appointed a committee to council as to the 
means and ways of transferring the management to Hermann 
without imperilling the rights of the shareholders. They were 
instructed to confer with the special committee in Missouri and 
to request them to submit suggestions. On February 14th, the 
committee was even directed to begin the legal steps towards 
this change. But Trautwein's appeal and a philippic from one 
Centner caused the society to annul all these actions. It was now 
decided to abide a time when these disturbances might 
be amicably adjusted. In the meantime earnest investigation was 
conducted by the officers. Treasurer Schmidt was sent to the 
colony to enquire : 

„Ob die Gesetze in Missouri es erlauben, dass die Landbewoh- 
ner dasselbe Stimmrecht als die Stadtbewohner haben." 

Though the matter was delayed, there was no question but 
that the change was bound to come. A new committee consisting 
of Klett, Gentner and Stockfleht, was appointed and instructed 
to see 

,,wie und auf welche Weise die Verlegung der Verwaltung auf 
die sicherste Art bewerkstelligt werden kann." 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 91 

In June, Schmidt returned and urged the transfer without 
delay. 

There was no longer any doubt that the end must soon come. 
Several meetings had been called at Philadelphia, but no quorum 
appeared. Interest had died out. To secure yet what funds they 
could, the treasurer was instructed : 

„Eine Aufforderung ergehen zu lassen, um diejenigen Acti- 
onare, welche ihre Actienscheine noch nicht abgeholt haben, zu ver- 
anlasseUj dieses schleunigst zu thun." 

A great number of letters arrived from Hermann, some 
signed by individuals, some by a great number of persons ; some 
favoring the change, others urging continuation of the old regime. 
The solution of the problem became extremely difficult. 

In this extremity the committee on transfer, of which body 
the president of the society was ex-officio member, prepared a 
long report, addressed to the special committee at Hermann. 
This special committee consisted of the following five gentlemen: 

J. Leupold, 
M. Krauter, 
Ludw. Geis, 
Heinr. Heckmann, 
Peter Miiller. 

The report is headed by this request to the committee : 

„Sie sind freundlichst ersucht so schnell als moglich, eine Ver- 
sammlung aller, in der Ansiedlung wohnenden Mitglieder der Ge- 
sellschaft zu berufen und denselben den folgenden Bericht zur 
Verhandlung vorzulegen." 

This report, written July ist, 1839, contains many interest- 
ing points hitherto unmentioned. It reiterates the intentions of 
the society in regard to the future control thus : 

„Es ist der einstimmige Wunsch der Muttergesellschaft, dass 
die Verlegung der Verwaltung so bald als moglich geschehe, und 
nur das Streben, die Verlegung auf eine die Rechte aller Mitglieder 



92 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

sichernde und allgemein befriedigende Weise vorzunehmen, hat die 
Ausfiihrung bisher verzog-ert." The obstacles to an absohite transfer 
when the request first became known are these ; 

„(i) Der damalige Mangel an Personen in der Ansiedlung 
welche zu gesetzlich giiltigen Pfandhaltern (Trustees) gewahlt 
warden konnten. (2) Der Mangel an Sicherstellung der Privat- 
interessen aller ihre Stadtlotten noch nicht gewahlt habenden Mit- 
glieder der Gesellschaft, indem die Wahl der Lotten fijr diese hatte 
konnen ungebiihrlich beschrankt oder erschwert werden." 

It is conceded that this first hindrance had been removed, but 
it is emphatically impressed that the latter problem must yet be 
solved. It is further pointed out that the most varied and con- 
tradictory reports have arrived from Hermann. 

y^\. It had been stated that a most threatening agitation 
existed at the colony. 2. Certain men at Hermann advised that 
all action be deferred until this difference was adjusted. 3. The 
landowners urged continuation of control by the home society. 
4. Others proposed that the form of management remain un- 
changed, only the residence of the society be changed. 5. The 
people of the town Hermann demanded complete and uncondi- 
tional yielding to their proposition to consolidate the town and 
the society. 6. It was not known whether the town Hermann 
was or was not incorporated, and, if so, how. 

On this last point Schmidt, who had just been in Hermann, 
could not give accurate information. It was positively neces- 
sary to know whether Jarvis' land, which lay adjoining to the 
colony, had also been incorporated in the town. Certain conces- 
sions and restrictions hinged on this fact. As a matter of fact 
the land of several private individuals was included in the in- 
corporation. This multiplied the difficulties in a great measure 
and protracted the negotiations greatly. 

The committee on transference was given a most delicate 
task when they were asked to find an equitable settlement of the 
afifair so variously judged. In their dilemma they finally hit 
upon a course which, though not altogether just, was neverthe- 



And its Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. 93 

less human. The beginning of their action was the giving of a 
definition of the original purpose of the society. In this opinion 
they took care to side with the stronger faction of the colonists. 
Though this may not accord with our interpretation of equity, 
yet it was a starting point towards a very difficult solution, though 
Sec. 3 of the constitution was recklessly overruled. This opinion 
they couched in these well-chosen words: 

' „Der urspriingliche Zweck der Gesellschaft war die Griindung 
einer deutschen Stadt, welche durch vereinigtes Capital und sonsti- 
ges offentliches Vermogen, Gleichheit des Strebens und harmoni- 
sches Zusammenleben schnell zu dem Grade der Bliithe in physi- 
scher, sowohl als geistiger RiJcksicht emporwachsen soUte, dass sic 
dem deutschen Namen zur Ehre und den heimathlosen Stammge- 
nossen zum gliicklichen Asyl gereichen mochte. In diesem Sinne 
miissen die Constitution und alle Nebengesetze der Gesellschaft 
gedeutet werden. Dann ergiebt es sich von selbst, dass die For- 
derungen der Rechte der Mitgliedschaft fiir die, welche alle ihre 
Actien fiir gekauftes Land an die Gesellschaft zuruckgegeben — 
mithin ihren Privatvortheil, durch die erhdhten Actienpreise, welche 
ihnen bei der Riickgabe berechnet wurden, bereits genossen haben 
— Oder gar niemals Mitglieder gewesen sind, obgleich sie nun der 
Gesellschaft oder Privatpersonen Grundeigenthum gekauft haben 
mogen — ganzlich haltlos ist, und weder in der Constitution noch 
in irgend einem Gesetze der Gesellschaft auch nur einen Schein- 
grund fiir sich finden konnen. 

Dieser genannte urspriingliche Zweck der Gesellschaft macht 
es aber sehr wunschenswerth, dass die von den unternehmenden, 
und durch Muth und Fleiss sich auszeichnenden Mitgliedern der 
Gesellschaft in unglaublich kurzer Zeit gegriindete und bereits vom 
Staate incorporirte Stadt Hermann als letztes Ziel des gesellschaft- 
lichen Unternehmens, nunmehr so bald als moglich mit der Gesell- 
schaft verschmelzen moge, so dass Stadt Hermann und Ansied- 
lungs-Gesellschaft in jeder Beziehung tautologisch seien." 

By this decision the difficulty was vastly minimized while 
the possible solution was proportionately facilitated. The farm- 
ers are entirely excluded from consideration. The problem is 
now wholly concentrated upon the town Hermann. The report 
continues by enumerating certain advantages which such a change 
would promote : 



94 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

1. Such a consolidation of town and society would unify and 
centralize the various interests, would preserve order and pro- 
mote public undertakings. 

2. The property of the society would be more secure under 
State supervision. 

3. The constitution and by-laws would be more effective if 
clad in the garb of State laws, 

4. Such consolidation of town and society interests would 
bring about equality of rights and duties of all residents — a con- 
dition impossible under a separate existence of these bodies. 

Although the consolidation appeared, on the whole, bene- 
ficent to a great number concerned, there were still very serious 
objections to be raised against it. 

1. All inhabitants of Hermann would, by virtue of the laws 
of the State, become joint owners and beneficiaries of the society 
property whether they had contributed an equivalent or not. 

2. The members living in various parts of the country would 
lose their vote in society matters, while such men as Jarvis would 
eo-ipso have a voice in the transactions of the society. 

3. In making public improvements the society would be 
unduly burdened, while the non-members would reap the benefit 
without proportionate co-operation. 

4. The estates of non-members would be exempt from taxa- 
tion the same as the society property. The public improvements 
would increase the value of the property of non-members and 
practically make impossible the purchase of such property. 

It was made plain that no consolidation was possible until 
these matters were satisfactorily settled. In making this last de- 
cision it was, however, clearly stated that a transfer of the offices 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 95 

of the society was much desired and recommended. But before 
this change could be positively granted answers to these ques- 
tions were called for : 

„i. Wie werden die Glieder der Gesellschaft, welche ihre Stadt- 
lotten noch nicht aufgenommen haben, sicher gestellt, dass Ihnen 
nicht kiinftig die Wahl ihrer Lotten erschwert oder gar unmoglich 
gemacht werde? 

2. Wie soil es mit der Besteuerung der von vielen Actienbe- 
sitzern noch nicht aufgenommenen Stadtlotten gehen, im Falle die 
Einkiinfte des gesellschaftlichen Vermogens zu irgend einer Zeit 
nicht hinreichen sollten, um sammtliche Taxen, die auf den gesell- 
schaftlichen Theil der Stadt fallen, zu decken? 

3. Wie steht es um die bisherige Geschaftsfiihrung der execu- 
tiven, sowohl als der speziellen Committee? Besonders wird eine 
definitive Rechnungs-Ablegung der Letzteren gewiinscht." 

The Philadelphia committee went so far as to suggest an- 
swers to these questions, which suggestions, however, fell upon 
deaf ears. The men at Hermann had their own solution for 
problems in hand, as will appear later. 

Since the incorporation of the town Hermann, a very inter- 
esting and indeed unique state of affairs existed. The report, 
under discussion, expands somewhat on this point. An odd state 
of confusion had come about. And all this, too, at a time when 
it was thought impossible for any such thing to occur<-'^he 
colony had existed a little over one year and already the town 
was no longer purely German^,,,.-^ 

,,Die Gesellschaft hat seit der Incorporation der Stadt Her- 
mann einen hochst beschrenkten Wirkungskreis," the report con- 
tinues, „wahrend das Stadt-Council beinahe unbedingte Gewalt be- 
sitzt. Das Council hat zu befehlen (natiirlich innerhalb der Gren- 
zen der Incorporations-Acte), die Gesellschaft zu gehorchen, soweit 
sich die Befehle auf den gesellschaftlichen Stadtgrund erstrecken." 

What then, really, was the relation of the town Hermann 

and the society ? The committee defined thus : 

„Die Stadt Hermann besteht aus Biirgern, welche theils Mit- 
glieder der Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft sind, theils nicht, die aber alle 
gleiches Stimmrecht in der Stadt- Verwaltung haben. Sie erstreckt 
sich iiber Land, das theils gesellschaftlich ist, theils nicht. aber alles 



96 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

im Stadtgebiete liegende Land, gleichviel ob gesellschaftliches oder 
fremdes der Stadtverwaltung (Council) unterworfen, besteuerbar 
fiir offentliche Ausgaben, Verbesserungen, Stadtbauten, etc. Nur 
fur den ganzen gesellschaftlichen Antheil (die von Mitgliedern auf- 
genommenen und bebauten Stadtlotten) zahlt die Gesellschafts- 
Kasse alle Grundsteuern, so lange die Einkiinfte der Gesellschaft 
dazu hinreichen (welches aller Wahrscheinlichkeit nach immer der 
Fall sein wird) fur das fremde Land aber, innerhalb des Stadt- 
gebietes, mijssen die respectiven Eigenthiimer einen proportionellen 
Tax bezahlen. Die Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft hat mithin mit der 
Stadt Hermann weiter nichts zu thun, als dass sie die dem gesell- 
schaftlichen Stadttheile zufallenden Grundtaxen bezahlt, und die 
auf diesen Theil sich beziehenden Council-Verordnungen erfullt ; 
auf dieselbe Weise und in derselben Ordnung, als z. B. Herr Jarvis 
dasselbe in Proportion fiir den von ihm geeigneten Stadttheil thut. 

Der Grund fiir die Schule so wie anderen oflfentlichen 

Gebauden muss von der Gesellschaft gekauft werden. . . . Die 
Gesellschaft eignet oder representirt einen grossen Theil der Stadt. 
Sollen auf diesem gesellschaftlichen Stadttheil Anlagen (z. B. 
Squares, Garten, Promenaden etc. etc.) angelegt, oflfentliche Ge- 
baude gebaut, oder andere ofTentliche Verbesserungen gemacht wer- 
den, so muss die Stadt den dazu nothigen Grund von der Gesell- 
schaft kaufen. Dieser Baupreis muss dann wieder durch Grund- 
taxen, theils von der Gesellschaft theils von den Eigenthiimern des 
nicht gesellschaftlichen Stadtlandes aufgemacht werden. Jeden- 
falls wiirde es ungerecht sein, dass die Gesellschaft sollte gratis 
Land und Geld zu ofifentlichen Verbesserungen abtreten, die zur 
Wertherhohung aller Stadttheile dienen. . . . Die Stadt als solche 
besitzt Nichts als was sie kauft. Um zu kaufen schreibt sie Taxen 
aus, welche von der Gesellschaft, Jarvis, Schiefer und Schmidt pro- 
portionsmassig zu zahlen sind." 

From the foregoing it is difficult to state just what was 
meant by a consolidation of the company and the town Hermann. 
If, as was stated in the outset, company and town are identical, 
then, according to the later statements, the town would be buying 
from itself. The report continues : 

„Sollten die letzteren drei Eigenthiimer (Jarvis, Schiefer und 
Schmidt) des fremden Stadtgrundes von der Gesellschaft ausge- 
kauft werden, so wiirde die Bedeutung von Stadt und Gesellschaft 
Icicht zu verschmelzen sein, und dann konnte man in Wahrheit 
sagen, die Stadt Hermann eignet das ganze gesellschaftliche Ver- 
mogen." 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 97 

The report is signed : 

„Wilhelm Schmoele — im Namen der von der Muttergesell- 
schaft niedergesetzten Committee, welche die Verlegung der Ver- 
waltung der Gesellschaft zu beraten hatte. 

Philadelphia, Juli i, 1839." 

The society seal is affixed to the document to prove its 
authenticity. 

In response to this report an answer was punctiliously pre- 
pared and signed by 65 members at Hermann. The tenor of this 
reply seems to have been entirely satisfactory. Attorneys-at-law 
were at once employed to assist the committee on transference in 
drawing up a general deed conveying the property into the hands 
of the trustees at Hermann. 

While this was doing in Philadelphia, a final, grand report 
was being prepared and signed by 106 colonists. It was the ulti- 
matum, so far as the colony was concerned. This report con- 
tains a reiteration of many of the points referred to in the letter 
of the preceding paragraph. In it are found the answers to the 
questions propounded by the Pniladelphians. A part of this com- 
munication is appended here : 

„Erstens 

1st es fortwahrend unser Wunsch, dass die Verwaltung des gesell- 
schaftlichen Vermogens sobald als moglich nach der Stadt Her- 
mann verlegt werden moge, welches in Uebereinstimmung mit den 
Statuten der Gesellschaft und namentlich mit den Bestimmungen 
ist, nach welchen die Trustees der Stadt Hermann installirt worden. 

Zweitens 

Glauben die Unterzeichneten, dass kein Mangel an Personen vor- 
handen, welche zu gesetzgiiltigen Trustees der Stadt Hermann ge- 
wahlt werden konnen. 

Drittens 
Erklaren wir hiedurch, dass wir es niemals zugeben, vielmehr immer 
dagegen protestiren wollen, dass in dem jetzigen Werthe, so wie 
auch in der bestehenden Auswahl von Stadtlotten. zum Nachtheil 
derjenigen Mitglieder, welche ihre Stadtlotten noch nicht gewahlt 
haben, irgend eine Beschrankung oder Veranderung stattfinden soil. 



98 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Viertens 

1st es unsere Meinung, dass von einer in dem Berichte erwahnten 
Aufregung der Gemiither in der Ansiedlung veranlasst durch ent- 
gegengesetzte Wiinsche, Zwecke und Ansichten jetzt nicht mehr 
die Rede seyn kann, indem wir hiedurch nochmals erklaren, dass es 
unser Wunsch ist, dass die ganze Verwaltung des gesellschaftlichen 
Vermogens sofort der Stadt Hermann iibertragen werden moge. 

Fiinftens 

Sehen wir nichts dabey zu erinnern, dass alle Bewohner der Stadt 
von ihrem gesetzlichen Stimmrecht nach Belieben Gebrauch machen, 
da solche doch nur durch Ankauf oder Benutzung von Grundeigen- 
thum Biirger respective Bewohner der Stadt Hermann werden 
konnen. 

Sechstens 

Ist es unsere nicht beengte Ansicht, dass das Wohl der Stadt Her- 
mann durchaus nicht dadurch gefahrdet werden konnte wenn sich 
auch noch fremdes Grundeigenthum im Weichbild der Stadt be- 
findet. Nur miissten die jedesmaligen Besitzer solchen Grundeigen- 
thums von den Trustees der Stadt Hermann aufgefordert werden, 
einen Revers auszustellen, dass sie ausser ihrer eigenen Tax auch 
noch sobald solches nothig seyn sollte, und verlangt wird, unwei- 
gerlich nach der gesetzlichen Norm die Taxen der Stadt pro rata 
mittragen wollen. 

Siebentes 

Ist es evident, dass nur die in der Folge von den Trustees der Stadt 
Hermann ausgeschriebene Taxe von den Biirgern zu bezahlen ist, 
indem die alten Grundtaxe von den angekauften Landereyen, so- 
bald das gesellschaftliche Vermogen der Stadt Hermann iibertra- 
i;en von besagter Stadt als Besitzerin dieses Grundeigenthums zu 
cntrichten seyn wird, und solte jemals die Zeit herannahen, dass 
das jetzige Vermogen der Gesellschaft nicht mehr zu diesen Zwe- 
cken ausreicht, so werden allerdings sammtliche Besitzer von Grund- 
eigenthum im Weichbilde der Stadt Hermann nach dem ublichen 
Norm die Taxen der Corporation pro rata zu entrichten haben. 
Wollen sie das nicht so steht es ihnen schon jetzt oder dann und zu 
jedei Zeit frey aus der Incorporation herauszutreten. 

Achtens. 

Durch diese unsere biindige Erklarung miissen diejenigen Glieder 
der Gesellschaft, welche ihre Stadtlotten noch nicht aufgenommen 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 99 

haben, sich sicher gestellt fiihlen, dass ihnen nicht kiinftig die Wahl 
ihrer Lots erschwert, oder gar unmoglich gemacht werde. 

Neuntens. 

Sobald das gesellschaftliche Vermogen der Stadt Hermann 
iibertragen, kann, in so weit dies in Folge stattfinden wird, nur von 
einer Besteuerung derjenigen Stadtlotten die Rede seyn, welche 
bereits aufgenommen und mit Gebauden versehen oder sonst culti- 
virt sind. 

Zehntens. 

Was eine Rechnnngsablage iiber die Geschaftsfiihrung in der 
Ansiedlung anbelangt so sind die friiheren Rechnungsverhaltnisse 
mit dem General-Agenten bereits eingesandt, die executive Com- 
mittee hat weiter mit der Geschaftsfiihrung nichts zu thun und 
ward durch die specielle Committee in dieser Hinsicht vertreten. 
Da aber eine specielle Committee, wie oben erwahnt, bey Empfang 
des Berichts nicht bestand, so werden die friiheren Mitglieder ge- 
wiss eben so bereit seyn als willig, die verlangte Rechnungs-Able- 
gung sofort einzusenden und wird der Secretair sofort das Nothige 
bewerkstelligen wollen. 

Elftens 

1st es uns freylich trostlich zu vernehmen, dass alle diejenigen 
welche Grundeigenthum von der Gesellschaft erworben und das- 
selbe zum vollen bezahlt haben, auf ein Certificat der speciellen 
Committee — soil wohl heissen ein Certificat der Trustees in Her- 
mann — oder von beiden unverziiglich bekommen konnen. 

Zwolftens 
Haben wir uns endlich dahin noch ausdriicklich aussprechen wollen, 
dass wir des festen Glaubens sind, dass durch Uebertragung des 
gesellschaftHchen Vermogens an die Stadt Hermann dieses mit dem 
iibngen Vermogen der Stadt Hermann ganzlich verschmolzen wird 
und ist der raisonierende Theil des hier beantworteten Berichts 
durchaus auf falschen Pramissen basirt, denn was die Pflichten und 
Rechte der Stadt Hermann anbelangt, so wird solche durch die 
Corporationsacte bestimmt und vorgeschrieben und will die Stadt 
Hermann Schulhauser etc. etc. bauen, so haben die Burger und 
Trustees sich nach dem zu richten, was besagte Corporationsacte 
vermeldet. 

Es findet sich auch nicht ein einziges mit den Verhaltnissen 
bekanntes Mitglied in der Ansiedlung welches mit dem letzten rai- 
sonierenden Theil des Berichts einverstanden ware. Dies ware ja 

LOFU 



lOO 



The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 



weiter nichts als das Geld von einer Tasche in die andere stecken, 
wenn die Stadt Hermann von der Stadt Hermann Hausplatze etc. 
zu Stadtzwecken kaufen sollte." 

Here then follow the io6 signatures. We shall attach them 
here for a two-fold reason. First, it shows who were the sep- 
aratists at Hermann, and, secondly, it gives a partial list, at least, 
of householders at that time. The names are written in the 
order found in the document : 



Jacob Morloch 

David Lang 

Ernst Meyer 

Silvest Weber 

George Clauss 

Jacob Dormeyer 

Adam Nider 

Hermann Kemper 

August Klaring 

Hermann Rothert 

John Woern 

J. L. Idemann 

Georg Miiller 

Nikolas Welter 

H. G. Finn 

Chas. C. Albers 

Amedi Brunet 

Daniel Oelschlseger 

August F. Klaring 

Christoph Fr. Oelschlseger 

Fredrick Semken 

Anton Franz Hemme 

Wilhelm Stohr 

Wm. E. Young 

C. L. Schlomer 

L. Sommerhalter 

Pierre Brunet, Sr. 

Johann Graber 

Johann Meyer 

Anthony Miller 

Benedickt Bleile 

Ignatz Bleile 

Heinrich Heckmann 

J. G. Prager 

Leonhard Schramm 



Friedrich Reinhardt 

Joseph Vogt 

Joh. Quandt 

Adam Wagner 

Christian Rohrbacher 

Martin Mausehund 

John C. Rice 

Colestin Diebold 

Phillipp Schneider 

Otto von Schrader 

Theodor Baer 

Conrad Baer 
Georg Rieffenstahl 

John H. Miller 
Karl Kneisel 
F. Lehder 
W. Ameling 
Fr. Leupold 
Phillipp Koller 
Fred Husmann 
E. C. Staffhorst 
Nicolaus Bensing 
Gottlieb Kreuchy 
Johannes Abglanalp 
Johannes Bohm 
Adam Bohm 
Silfester Doss 
D. Widersprecher 
Charles Naegelin 
A. W. Friedrichs 
Jacob Rommel 
Adam Bezold 
Edward Pommer 
Theodor Vogt 
Charles D. Eitzen 



And its Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. loi 

Charles Asmus Michael Kroeber 

John H, Witmann Carl Kohl 

August Roeske August Leonhard 

Jacob Schiefer Peter Scheldt 

D. W. Wohlein Adam Scheldt 

John Battermann Johannes Sidler 

Kasper Greis Catharina Bayer 

George Pfautsch Aug. Leimer 

F. Langendorfer Caroline Pommer 

J. Leupold H. Heinrichs 

M. Krauter H. Jahns 

Jacob Klink H. von Schlegel 

Ludwig Hisigas Hermann Bock 

Georg Schafer A. Brickwede 

John Blust Fk, Wm. Pommer 

Thomas Gawley J. H. Vahrenhorst 

Florenz Ritter Joseph Schweyer 

Elizabeth Trautwein C C. Osterloh 

This was done early in September. At an extra session of 
the home society on September 17th these promises evidently 
were joyfully received. A final and decisive resolution was then 
passed : 

,,Dass die hiesigen Trustees sowohl, als die Trustees in der An- 
siedlung hierdurch angewiesen sind, von alien ihnen respectiv anver- 
trauten gesellschaftlichen Vermogen einen vollstandigen Deed of 
Trust an den Stadt-Council der Stadt Hermann, Gasconade County, 
Missouri, zu iibermachen, welcher kiinftig als Trustee der deutschen 
Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft das Vermogen der Letzteren reprasen- 
tiren soil." 

With the passage of this act the great decision had been 
reached. Everyone breathed more freely — even those who felt 
that the step was injudiciously made. The die was cast, and 
Hermann was thrown upon its own resources and its members 
upon their own ingenuity to make or mar the future of a Ger- 
man town. With this decision there went certain requirements 
to which the colony readily acceded and which they sought to 
carry out to the best of their abihty. These conditions were : 

,,i. Dass die jetzt bestehende Bestimmung der Gesellschaft fiir 
die Wahl der Stadtlotten von Mitgliedern niemals soil geandert 
werden konnen, bis alle Anspriiche der einzelnen Mitglieder auf 



102 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Privatvermogen, welches ihnen durch ihre Actienscheine zugesichert 
ist, befriedigt sein warden. 

2. Dass die Trustees immer verbunden sein sollen, jedem Mit- 
gliede welches den genannten Bedingungen nachgekommen ist, fiir 
jede Lotte zu welcher er durch solches Nachkommen berechtigt ist, 
oder sein wird, einen vollen Eigenthums-Deed zu geben, und dass 
der Preis der Actien nie unter Fiinfzig Thaler herabgesetzt warden 
soil. 

3. Dass endlich keine Stadtlotte von der Auswahl der Mitglie- 
der soil ausgeschlossen sein, welche nicht schon gewahlt, oder Pri- 
vat-Vermogen oder zu specifischen offentlichen Zwecken bestimmt 
ist oder sind." 

It was further decided to inform the authorities at Hermann 
at once and to forward the power of attorney poste haste to the 
proper oifficers. By virtue of this authority the Hermann officials 
were charged to collect the sum of $1,300.00 which was due in 
October. To facilitate the transfer the colonists had implied 
previously that they would meet all obligations incumbent on the 
society provided they were given full control of things. The 
people at Hermann had no money to pay this debt. On the 25th 
of September, 1839, they resolved to make a loan. 

"That, as the Trustees of the Society are incapable of pro- 
curing the 1,300 dollars necessary for the payment of the last 
instalments due October i, 1839, Mr. Julius Leupold be author- 
ized and empowered to borrow the above sum, at the lowest pos- 
sible interest ; but in case he should not be able to raise the money, 
all responsibility shall fall on those who have approved the trans- 
ferring of the property of the society from Philadelphia to Her- 
mann." 

There must have been some difficulty in obtaining the 
money, for on January 22, 1840, another order was issued "re- 
questing and authorizing Julius Leupold to contract a loan of 
$1,300 for the town of Hermann." At any rate, the home soci- 
ety was satisfied that this obligation would be met. So on De- 
cember 12, 1839, the last meeting was held at the Penn Hotel, 
the same place where, three and a half years before, the organi- 
zation sprang into being, full of promise, amid the keenest in- 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 103 

terest and wildest enthusiasm. At this meeting the president 
made his final address. Nothing of great interest or importance 
was transacted. The work had all been done. The minutes 
closed thus : 

,,Mit dieser Versammlung horten die Funktionen der hiesigen 
Gesellschaft auf, und die Beamten wurden entlassen, wodurch die 
Gesellschaft sich aufloste. 

A. J. Stockfleth, Sekretair." 

Nearly three score and seven years have passed since that 
last meeting of the Philadelphia society, but still the records of 
that final session make the reader sad. A deep pathos lies in 
the President's simple words of parting. A great thing had been 
accomplished it is true, but yet how far was it below the lofty 
ideals of the fathers ; in how small a measure had their devoted 
services been rewarded.* 

„Heute zum letzten Male sind wir hier versammelt (so spoke 
President Schmoele in opening his farewell address) um iiber das 
Wohl unserer Gesellschaft uns zu berathen. Unser letztes Geschaft 
besteht darin, die bisher von der Muttergesellschaft geiibte Ver- 
waltung unseres gesellschaftlichen Unternehmens auf die bereits 
selbststandig und mehr als gross jahrig gewordene Tochter im fer- 
nen Westen zu iibertragen." 

Then he reiterates the proceedings we have already discussed 
regarding the transfer. In closing he says : 

„Werfen wir nun am Schlusse unserer Geschaftsleitung noch 
einen Blick auf die Vergangenheit unserer Gesellschaft zuriick, so 
begegnen uns zwar manche Unannehmlichkeiten und Schwierig- 
keiten, mit denen wir zu kampfen batten, und denen besonders der- 
jenige wackere Theil unserer Mitglieder ausgesetzt war, welcher 
nunmehr unsere bliihende Colonie im fernen Westen bildet — 
dagegen finden wir aber auch Erfolge, welche nicht nur in der Ge- 
schichte ahnlicher Gesellschaften ungewohnlich sind, sondern un- 
sere schonsten Hoffnungen iibertreffen und zu den angenehmsten 
Aussichten fiir die Zukunft berechtigen. 

Wo vor anderthalb Jahren noch eine Wildniss war, da prangt 
nunmehr eine bliihende Stadt, lebendig mit Handel und Gewerben, 
und umgeben von gedeihenden Landgiitern — der Name der Stadt 



*A. und N. W. of January 18, 1840. 



I04 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

ist Hermann, und ihr Gebiet das der deutschen Ansiedlungs-Gesell- 
schaft. 

Mog-en nnsere Nachkommen Ursache haben, das Unternehmen 
ihrer Vater zu segnen ! 

Wilhelm Schmoele. 

Philadelphia, den 12. Dec. 1839." 

With this meeting the history of this undertaking, so far as 
Philadelphia was concerned, had come to a close. Its manage- 
ment was now intrusted into the hands of the men in Missouri. 
How well they succeeded in fulfiling this trust, we are yet to see. 
The attempt to unify the Germans on American soil had aroused 
the interest of all Germans in America, as well as of many in 
Germany. With all this enthusiasm it strikes the impartial ob- 
server as rather singular, that greater things were not accom- 
plished. But a great number of causes united to mar the harmony 
of the participants and to hinder the execution of the plans, on 
the whole laudable as well as sound. 

|l First among these causes we would place the financial crisis 

of 1837. All forms of business were wrecked. Public confidence 
stood at its lowest ebb. Most of the shareholders were limited 
in means, hoping for an amelioration through the proposed col- 
ony. Many prospective members found even the modest outlay 
too great a tax, since the possibilities for an income were cur- 
tailed by the lull in business. In Germany these conditions were 
known, and but few men would invest their small savings in a 
country whose monetary basis was so unstable. This stage of 
depression continued long enough to allow certain changes to 
occur in the management of the German Society which could not 
be altered when the years of plenty and public confidence returned. 
• A second cause was the lack of harmony among the Germans 
themselves. They came from a country where the word "Einheit" 
was found written in books but not in hearts. Most of them had 
come here with no higher motives than to improve their economic 
conditions. But few of them had dreamed of a united Germany, 
how could they reaonably be expected to hope for a German 
union in this new land? The high ideals that were voiced in this 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 105 

attempt were those of the few leaders — unselfish, devoted, self- 
sacrificing men — of few faults and of many virtues — but they 
awakened no echo in the masses. To them the pri^ne purpose 
was the betterment of their material condition. A depressing 
spirit of the Kleinelei peculiar to the sons of the Kleinstaatliche 
Deutschland of that day, dominates many of their actions. They 
were distrustful and often unjust and so increased the labors of 
their officers and retarded the progress of their undertaking. A 
blighting jealousy also made itself felt. Certain of the German 
newspapers criticised the whole attempt most scathingly. If they 
had been small local publications, their influence would not have 
been so baneful. But some of the strongest representatives of the 
German American press opened a most virulent attack upon the 
infant enterprise. Some of these editors indulged in this vituper- 
ation for no other reason than a personal enmity with the edi- 
tor of the official organ of the society. Much of the strength of 
the society was thus spent in internal strife. 
\j- A third cause was the appointment of a man to the respon- 

sible position of General Agent who had but a very limited busi- 
ness education. 

We have already stated that as a gentleman Bayer was be- 
yond reproach. Also that he did do all he was capable of doing, 
A board of officers under a leader with clear judgment, undoubted 
integrity, and an indomitable will to stand up to his just decisions 
would have altered things materially. Under these conditions 
the cry for self-government would have been duly hushed. If 
this had been done the seat of power would have remained longer 
at Philadelphia. The very retention of control at Philadelphia 
would have instilled confidence in the wavering ones. Then it 
might have been possible to bridge over the calamitous years fol- 
lowing 1837 and to start in upon a newer and brighter era. As it 
was, a body of a few German pioneers settled in a howling wil- 
derness could not be expected to live up to the high ideals of the 
founders of the society. 

As a final cause must be mentioned the choice of location. 



io6 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Bayer, for unknown causes, succeeded in purchasing only a small 
part of the land specified by the three prospecting deputies. The 
land around Hermann is very broken and of little value except 
for horticultural purposes. The farming land was, as may be 
seen from the accompanying map, far away from the town, and 
then very much scattered. Communication was slow and soon 
the townspeople and the farmers became estranged from each 
other. The site of Hermann can boast of no great amount of po- 
tential wealth. There is no mineral or metal found in the vicinity. 
Hence, it was impossible for great manufacturing establishments 
to spring up. To execute the lofty plans of the society it was pos- 
itively necessary, as Pfarrer Ginal pointed out in one of the very 
first meetings, that agriculture and manufacture should go hand 
in hand at the colony. Neither of these industries could prosper 
in or near Hermann. The only industry in which Hermann now 
excels all other towns of Missouri is the production of wine. If 
the colony had been laid in west Missouri, as a Low German set- 
tlement was laid, we might have a different history to chronicle. 

Great must have been the disappointment of the sturdy pro- 
moters of the settlement scheme when the conviction forced itself 
upon them, that the cause for which they had sacrificed so much 
was to be abandoned. Again and again we meet with the senti- 
ment "Es war zu schon gewesen . . . es hat nicht sollen sein." In 
after years J. G. Wesselhoeft, the boldest fighter of them all, 
wrote in his autobiographical account : 

,,Was man bei der Griindung der „Deutschen Ansiedlungs-Ge- 
sellschaft" mit der Zeit zu realisiren hoffte, ist nur zum Theil aus- 
gefiihrt worden. Wenngleich Vieles, was die Griinder beabsich- 
tigten, und wofiir sie uneigenniitzig gestrebt und gearbeitet haben, 
nicht ins Leben getreten ist, so haben doch viele Deutsche in einer 
gesunden hiibschen Gegend eine trauliche Heimath gefunden und 
fiir Schulen und deutsche Geselligkeit manch-es gethan."* 

Before we go over to a consideration of the colony after its 
separation from the Philadelphia society, we shall mention the 
names of the principal officers who represented the organization 

* G. Korner, "Das deutsche Element," p. 71. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 107 

in various capacities, then we shall append the complete list of the 
members. 

Julius Leupold was the first president of the society. He 
was a promient business man of the firm of Hagedorn, Leupold 
& Co. When he had fully decided to go to the colony he retired 
from the office and Dr. Wm. Schmoele took the chair. This was 
in January, 1838. Dr. Schmoele remained on the post until the 
dissolution of the body. 

J. G. Wesselhoelt served faithfully as secretary until the mid- 
dle of February, 1838, when ill health, brought about by over- 
work, compelled him to resign. The vice-secretary, Franz G. 
Schreiber assumed the responsibilities of this office and continued 
in its service until early in January, 1839. Then A. J. Stockfleth 
was elected and remained to chronicle the memorable final min- 
utes of the Philadelphia society. 

Dr. Mohring, the first treasurer elected, seems to have served 
only for a short time. Adam Schmidt then assumed the trust and 
continued custodian of the wealth of the society until late in the 
autumn of 1839, when a trip abroad compelled him to lay down 
his office. J. G. Wesselhoeft then served as treasurer until the 
end of the organization. 

The first board of managers consisted, to reiterate, of these 
gentlemen : Stark, Viereck, Ritter, Bayer, Kiderlen, Stollmeyer, 
Gentner, Pommer, Gebhard. As was to be expected this body 
underwent many changes. The following men served a longer 
or shorter period : W. H. Leupold, E. C. Staffhorst, Wm. Feu- 
ring, Bock, D. W. Wohlein, C. W. Gronau, Schrader, 

Jacob Hummel, H. Didrich, Georg Riefenstahl, F. Schreiber 
Adam Maag, Georg Herwig, F. W. C. Seelhorst, Daniel Stuhlin- 

ger, Koch, Johann Christmann. 

To give a fairly complete statement of the finances of the 
society while under the agent's management, we insert here the 
full ledger of Bayer accounts. The treasurer's record should be 
more desirable, but unfortunately that is not extant in full. But 
since the agent received and expended much of their money this 
will prove valuable. 



io8 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 






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And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 



109 



It goes without saying- that this does not represent the full 
amount received. The ledger, which by the way remained unclosed 
when the society disbanded, shows that up to February 12th, 
1839, the sum of $30,464.51 had been received. After this date 
no entries are made in the ledger though we know that certain 
transactions took place. 

The names of the participants in the settlement movement 
are here given. The addresses accompanying them are those 
which the shareholder claimed when they joined the society. As 
the source of our information we cite the ledger of the organiza- 
tion, yet found in Hermann. 



Abglanalp, Joh., Hermann, Mo. 
Abker, Joh. Phil., Philadelphia 
Ackermann, Gottfried, Philadel- 
phia 
Albeck, J, Georg, Montreal, 

Canada 
Albrecht, Joh. F., Philadelphia 
Albers, Carl, Philadelphia 
Ameling, W., Hermann, Mo. 
Arnold, Ferdinand, Philadelphia 
Arnsfeld, Heinrich, Philadel- 
phia 
Artemiews, E. D., Philadelphia 
Arx, Samuel J. von, New York 
Asmus, Charles, Hermann, Mo. 
Austermell, Louis, Philadelphia 

Bachmann, Heinrich, Lancaster, 

Ohio 
Backhaus, Carl, Cincinnati, O. 
Bader, Georg, Philadelphia 
Baer, Carl F., Newark, O. 
Baer, Conrad, Philadelphia 
Baer, Theodor, Philadelphia 
Bandel, Georg, New Orleans, 

La. 
Bar, Karl, Philadelphia 
Barthels, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Barthels, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Bartz, Johann G., Buffalo, N. Y. 



Batheusen, Jacob^ Philadelphia 
Bauer, Adolf, Allentown, Pa. 
Baumann, Joseph, Philadelphia 
Bayer, Catharina, Philadelphia 
Bayer, Geo. F., Philadelphia 
Beck, Christian, Montreal, Can. 
Beck, Georg, Montreal, Can, 
Becker, Carl, Baltimore 
Becker, Jacob, Baltimore 
Beisswanger, Joh. G., Philadel- 
phia 
Benninghoff, Georg, Philalel- 

phia 
Bensing, Nicolaus, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Berger, John, Baltimore 
Berger, J. A., Baltimore 
Bergmann, August, Philadel- 
phia 
Betz, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Bezold, Adam, Hermann, Mo. 
Binz, August, Hermann, Mo. 
Birk, Matthias, Philadelphia 
Bischoff, F. G., Baltimore 
Blaschek, Franz, Philadelphia 
Bleile, Benedickt, Hermann, Mo. 
Bleile, Ignatz, Hermann, Mo. 
Blust, John, Hermann, Mo. 
Bock, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Bock, Hermann, Hermann, Mo. 
Bock, Johann, Philadelphia 



no 



The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 



Bodenhoefer, Joseph, Philadel- 
phia 

Boehringer, Georg, Hermann, 
Mo. 

Bohlen, Carl D., Philadelphia 

Bohm, Adam, Hermann, Mo. 

Bohm, Johann, Hermann, Mo. 

Bonzano, N. A., New Orleans, 
La. 

Bonzheimer,, Heinrich, New Or- 
leans, La. 

Borchers, Georg, Baltimore 

Bottermann, John, Hermann, 
Mo. 

Braue, Georg, New Orleans, La. 

Braun, Valentin, Philadelphia 

Breyer, Ludwig, Philadelphia 

Brickwede, A., Hermann, Mo. 

Brode, H., New Orleans, La. 

Brohmer, Friedrich, Albany, N. 
Y. 

Bruder, Thadeus, Philadelphia 

Brnes, Dr. Thomas, Wheeling, 
Va. 

Brijgger, Ignatius, Skippacks- 
ville, Pa. 

Brunet, Amedi, Hermann, Mo. 

Brunet, Pierre Sr., Hermann, 
Mo. 

Brflnner, Joseph, New York 

Bruno, C. C. R, New York 

Buhler, J. Heinrich, Philadelphia 

Bullmann, Caroline, Cleveland, 
Ohio 

Bunker, Heinrich, New Orleans, 
La. 

Biirger, Samuel, Zoar, O. 

Burkhard, Phil. Jac, Reading, 
Pa. 

Buss, Jacob, Cleveland, O. 

Bute, Georg Heinr., Philadel- 
phia 

Campe, J. F. J., Pittsburg, Pa. 
Carsten, H. A., Hermann, Mo. 



Christern, Jac. Fried., Philadel- 
phia 

Christmann, Johann, Philadel- 
phia 

Circovich, Gabriel Kowitzky, 
Philadelphia 

Clauss, George, Hermann, Mo. 

Clemmer, Johann, Pittsburg, Pa. 

Combernas, Albert, Philadelphia 

Cullmann, Jacob, Philadelphia 

Curtius, Hermann, New York 

Decker, Christian, Albany, N. Y. 
Decker, Philipp, Albany, N. Y. 
Degenhardt, Philipp, Pittsburg, 

Pa. 
Deutsch, Georg, Phoenixville, 

Pa. 
Dikemann, Anna Maria, Phila- 
delphia 
Diebold, Colestin, Springfield, 

Ohio 
Diebold, Michael, Springfield, O. 
Diedrich, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Dill, Johann, New Orleans, La. 
Disteldorf, Christian, New York 
Disteldorf, Wilhelm, New York 
Dithmer, Carl, Philadelphia 
Doeltner, Hannah, New York 
Doeltner, Job. Michael, New 

York 
Dohrmann, Friedrich, New York 
Dold, Andreas, Philadelphia 
Doll, Job. Michael, New York 
Dormeyer, Caroline, Cleveland. 

O. 
Dormeyer, Jacob, Cleveland, O. 
Dormeyer, Philipp, Cleveland, O. 
Doss, Silvester, Hermann, Mo. 
Ducommon, Henry, Philadelphia 
Duetz, Philipp, Saloma, Center 

Co., Pa. 
Duhring, Dr. Georg, Philadel- 
phia 

Ebstadt, Louis, Philadelphia 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 



Ill 



Echternacht, Heinr. Wilh., Phil- 
adelphia 

Eckhard, Leonard, Philadelphia 

Egers, Eduard, Hermann, Mo. 

Ehrmann, Benjamin, New Ber- 
lin 

Eichinger, Jacob, New Orleans 

Eickhoff, Carl Ludwig, Philadel- 
phia 

Eitzen, Chas. D., Hermann, Mo. 

Engelbert, Benjamin, Philadel- 
phia 

Engelbert, Johann, Hermann, 
Mo. 

Engelbert, Joseph, Philadelphia 

Engelhardt, Wilhelm, Philadel- 
phia 

Eppelsheimer, Daniel, Philadel- 
phia 

Erler, Friedrich G., Zoar, O. 

Ernst, J. G., New Orleans, La. 

Eyer, J. Ph., Baltimore 

Fegenbusch, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Ferentheil, C. v., Philadelphia 
Feuringj Eva M., Philadelphia 
Feuring, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Fickeisen, Daniel, Pittsburg, Pa. 
Fiedler, Adam, Philadelphia 
Finn, H. G., Hermann, Mo. 
Finn, John G., Philadelphia 
Fischer, George, Philadelphia 
Fischer, Jacob, St. Francisville, 

La. 
Franksen, Franke, Manayunk, 

Pa. 
Frechmann, Sabinus, Philadel- 
phia 
Freyvogel, Christian, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Friedrichs, Aug, Wilh., Phila- 
delphia 
Frommherr, J., New Orleans, 

La. 
Fuchs, Nicholaus, Philadelphia 



Fugger, Phil. Jacob, Columbia 
Furch, Friedrich, Hermann, Mo. 
Fuss, G. A., Philadelphia 

Gabriel, Daniel, Reading, Pa. 
Gabriel, Dominicus, Reading, 

Pa. 
Gaebler, J. Friedr,, Montreal, 

Canada 
Gartmann, Heinrich, Philadel- 
phia 
Gawley, Thomas, Hermann, Mo. 
Gebhard, F. L. C, Philadelphia 
Gellert, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Gemf, Friedrich, Hermann, Mo. 
Centner, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Centner, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Gerber, Christian, Baltimore 
Gerber, Dr. J., Lancaster, O. 
Gerber, J., Newark, O. 
Gerker, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Gerlach, Georg, New York 
Gerssle, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Gessler, Christian, Philadelphia 
Goelitz, Louis, Philadelphia 
Goetz, Rudolph, Philadelphia 
Gott, Bernard, Philadelphia 
Gottlieb, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Graber, Johann, Philadelphia 
Graf, Anton, Philadelphia 
Grahn, Carl M., Philadelphia 
Grasseley, Eugen, Philadelphia 
Greiner, Christoph, Philadelphia 
Greis, Kaspar, Hermann, Mo. 
Groh, Johann, New York 
Gronau, C. W., Philadelphia 
Gronhardt, Johann, Philadelphia 
Gulden, Ferdinand, Philadelphia 

Haas, Ernst, Philadelphia 
Haas, Fried. Joh., Philadelphia 
Haberstock, Daniel, Philadelphia 
Hagel, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Hagel, Michael, Philadelphia 



112 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 



Haggenmacher, Heinr., Phila- 
delphia 
Harig, Joh. Bernhardt, Balti- 
more 
Harig, Johann, Philadelphia 
Harnisch, Julius, Philadelphia 
Hartmann, Jacob Christ., New 

York 
Hartung, Jacob, Beaver Co., Pa. 
Hasenpatt, Christian, Philadel- 
phia 
Heckmann, Heinrich, Pittsburg, 

Pa. 
Heckmann, Mathias, Philadel- 
phia 
Heinlein, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Heiner, Anna Maria, Philadel- 
phia 
Heinemannj Daniel, Philadelphia 
Heirtz, Ferdinand, Philadelphia 
Heitzmann, C. F., Reading, Pa. 
Heitzmann, Gabriel, Reading, 

Pa. 
Heitzmann, Maria, Reading, Pa. 
Helffrich, Johann, Lehigh Co., 

Pa. 
Hemme, Anton Franz, Philadel- 
phia 
Henning, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Henrich, W. L., Columbus, O. 
Herwig, Georg, Philadelphia 
Herzog, Eduard, Philadelphia 
Hesse, Caspar, Hermann, Mo. 
Hetz, Joseph Friedr., Montreal, 

Canada 
Heyl, Elizabeth, Jersey 
Heywald, Charles, Philadelphia 
Hildebrand, Jacob, Albany, N. 

Y. 
Hiller, Joseph, Philadelphia 
Hirschmann, Johann, Philadel- 
phia 
Hisigas, Ludwig, Hermann, Mo. 
Hitz, Joseph, Philadelphia 
Hoch, Heinrich, Reading, Pa. 



Hoehling, Adolph, Philadelphia 
Hoesel, Ferdinand, Philadelphia 
Hoffmann, Christoph, Pittsburg, 

Pa. 
Hoffmann, H., Pittsburg, Pa. 
Hoffman, Johann, Mantau Vil- 
lage 
Hoffmeister, Fried., Philadel- 
phia 
Hoffstatter, Michael, Pittsburg, 

Pa. 
Hofle, Johann, New York 
Hoge, Jacob, Hermann, Mo. 
Horn, August, Philadelphia 
Horn, Johann, Philadelphia 
Hornmeyer, Francisca, New Or- 
leans, La. 
Horstmann, W. H., Philadelphia 
Hostatter, Christian, Philadel- 
phia 
Hubeli, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Huber, H., Lancaster, O. 
Hummel, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Hussmann, Joh. Heinr. M., 

Philadelphia 
Hussmann, Friedr., Philadelphia 
Hussmann, J. F. M., Philadel- 
phia 
Hiitz, M. J., Philadelphia 

Idemann, J. L., Hermann, Mo. 
Idler, Ernst, Montreal, Canada 
Inderrieden, Joseph, Baltimore 
Israng, David, New Orleans, La. 
Iversen, Anton, Augusta, Ga. 

Jacobus, Margaretha, Philadel- 
phia 

Jaeger, Friedrich, New Orleans, 
La. 

Jaeger, Leupold Georg, Phila- 
delphia 

Jahn, F. G., New Orleans, La. 

Jahns, Heinrich, Philadelphia 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 



113 



Jarton, Maria Louisa, Philadel- 
phia 
Jenny^ Abraham, Philadelphia 
Jenny, Johann, Philadelphia 
John, F. G., New Orleans, La. 
Jordan, Johann, New Orleans, 

La. 
Jung, Hermann, Hermann, Mo. 
Jung, Leonhard, Philadelphia 
Jungandreas, Carl, Hermann, 
Mo. 

Kaercher, Conrad M., Philadel- 
phia 
Kaiser, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Kaltner, F. G., Baltimore 
Kayser, Alexander, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Kehr, Joh. Andreas, Philadel- 
phia 
Kehrer, Martin, Philadelphia 
Keller, Adam, Philadelphia 
Kemper, Hermann, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Kerchner, Mich. Anton. New 

York 
Kersch, Ferdinand, New York 
Kerschenbach, Fried., Philadel- 
phia 
Kessler, Joseph, Cincinnati, O. 
Kiderlen & StoUmeyer, Phila- 
delphia 
Kiefer, Jacob, Albany, N. Y. 
Kielmann, Wilhelm, Philadel- 
phia 
Kinkelin, A., Philadelphia 
Klaering, August, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Klaering, A. F., Hermann, Mo. 
Klapp, Jacob, Albany, N. Y. 
Kleber, Heinrich, Pittsburg, Pa. 
Klein, Christian, Philadelphia 
Klett, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Klinglingj Richard, Dayton, O. 
Klink, Jacob, Hermann, Mo. 



Kloth, J. H., Phcenixville, Pa. 
Klotter, Georg, Philadelphia 
Klumpp, Johann, Philadelphia 
Kneisel, Carl Aug., Cleveland, 

Ohio 
Knodel, Casper, Philadelphia 
Knoll, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Knoll, Johann, Philadelphia 
Knop, Hermann, Philadelphia 
Koch, Eduard, Philadelphia 
Koch, Georg, Albany, N. Y. 
Koch, Joh. Heinr., Philadelphia 
Koch, Georg Mich., Albany, N. 

Y. 
Koenig, Lorenz, New Orleans, 

La. 
Koepf, Reinhold, Philadelphia 
Koepken, Heinr., Philadelphia 
Kohl Carl, Hermann, Mo. 
Kohlenberg, Eduard, Albany, 

N. Y. 
Koller, Philipp, Hermann, Mo. 
Koos, Eugen, Newark, O. 
Korkhauss, Heinr., Philadelphia 
Korner, Christian, Dayton, O. 
Kormeyer, Franzisco, New Or- 
leans, La. 
Kranz, Johann, Albany, N. Y. 
Kraug, Christian, Philadelphia 
KrausSj Gottfried, Philadelphia 
Krauter, Mathaus, Philadelphia 
Kreikemeyer, Christ., Philadel- 
phia 
Kreuchy, Gottlieb, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Kripplebert, Michael, Albany, 

N. Y. 
Kroeber, Michael, Cleveland, O. 
Kroecker, Margaretha, Phila- 
delphia 
Krueger, Ludwig, Germantown 
Kruse, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Kiihn, John, York, Pa. 
Ktjhne, Carl Ludwig, Philadel- 
phia 



114 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 



Kiihne, Conrad Fried., Philadel- 
phia 

Kiihne, Franz Heinr., Philadel- 
phia 

Kiihnholtz, Friedrich, Philadel- 
phia 

Kurz, Joh. Jacob, Baltimore 

Laackmann, Ferdinand, Phila- 
delphia 
Lahring, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Lahring, Jno. H., Philadelphia 
Laib, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Laib, Gottlieb, Philadelphia 
Lambers, Rebecca, Baltimore 
Lampartee, Heinrich, Hermann. 

Mo. 
Lang, David, Hermann, Mo. 
Langendorfer, Franz, Philadel- 
phia 
Langguth, Christ. Aug., Phila- 
delphia 
Lauer, Friedrich, Hermann, Mo. 
Ledermann, J., New Orleans, 

La. 
Lehder, F., New Orleans, La. 
Leibrock, Fritz, Reading, Pa. 
Leichmann, Wilh., Hermann, 

Mo. 
Leidorff^ Philipp, Philadelphia 
Leimer, Alexander, Philadelphia 
Leimer, August, Philadelphia 
Lemberger, Johann, Philadelphia 
Lemberger, Wilh., Philadelphia 
Lenke, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Lensing, Gerhart, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Leonhard, August, Philadelphia 
Leonhard, Friedrich, Philadel- 
phia 
Leser, Andreas, New Orleans, 

La. 
Leupold, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Leupold, Tnlius, Philadelphia 
Leupold, W. H., Philadelphia 



Liebach, Konrad, Hermann, Mo. 

Liebau, Charles, Cincinnati, O. 

Liebermann, Alphonse, Phila- 
delphia 

Liebrich, Conrad, Philadelphia 

Lindauer, Christian, New Or- 
leans, La. 

Lion, Peter, Philadelphia 

Lipsz, Johann, Hermann, Mo. 

Loewen, John, Cleveland, O. 

Loos, Ferdinand, Pittsburg, Pa. 

Lotterle, Gottlieb, Philadelphia 

Liideking, Friedrich, Philadel- 
phia 

Ludolph, Justus, Pittsburg, Pa. 

Lutz, Friedrich, Phoenixville, Pa. 

Lutz, Joseph, Phoenixville, Pa. 

Lutz, Johann, Georg, Albanv, N. 
Y. 

Maag, Adam, Philadelphia 
Maag, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Maag, Mathias, Philadelphia 
Magens, Christoph, Montreal, 

Canada 
Manercke, Joh. Heinr., Philadel- 
phia 
Mann, Theodor, Philadelphia 
Manss, Georg, Philadelphia 
Martin, Adam, Philadelphia 
Matthia, A., New York 
Mausehund, Martin, Hermann, 

Mo. 
May, Johann, Philadelphia 
Mayer, C. L., Philadelphia 
Mayer, Johann, Hermann, Mo. 
Mayer, W. F., Philadelphia 
Mecke, Georg Heinr., Philadel- 
phia 
Medinger, Christoph A., Balti- 
more 
Melcheor, Carl, Philadelphia 
Mendenhall, Philipp, Philadel- 
phia 
Mersinger, Jacob, Philadelphia 



And its Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. 



115 



Metzger, Karl, Philadelphia 
Metzger, Christopher, Philadel- 
phia 
Meyer, Bernhard Martin, Phila- 
delphia 
Meyer, Ernst, Hermann, Mo. 
Meyer, Johann, Philadelphia 
Meyer, Wilh. F., Lancaster, O. 
Miller, Anthony^ Hermann, Mo. 
Miller, Joh, H., Hermann, Mo. 
Mitthoff, Hecktor A., Schuylkill 

Co., Pa. 
Mittnacht, G. H., Baltimore 
Moedinger, Gottl. F., Baltimore 
Moehring, Dr. G., Philadelphia 
Moersinger, Georg, New Or- 
leans, La. 
Mohl, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Molidor, Franz, Philadelphia 
Molidor, Joseph, Philadelphia 
Molidor, Wilhelm, New York 
Moroth, M., Newark, O. 
Morloch, Jacob, Pittsburg, Pa. 
Morsfelder, S., Baltimore 
Muermann, Heinr., New York 
Miihlenbach, F., Hermann, Mo. 
Miiller, Caspar, Philadelphia 
Miiller, Georg, Hermann, Mo. 
Muller, Peter, Cleveland, O. 
Miiller, Wilhelm, New Orleans, 

La. 
Miiller, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Miintzke, Anton, Newark, O. 
Miissig, Anton, Philadelphia 
Miissig, David, Philadelphia 

Naegelin, Chas., Philadelphia 
Neitzmann, C. L., Hermann, 

Mo. 
Nestler, Martin, Philadelphia 
Netz, J. F., Hermann, Mo. 
Neufeldt, Capt., Hermann, Mo. 
Neumeyer, Herm. F., Hermann, 

Mo. 



Nider, Adam, Hermann, Mo. 
Niekerke, Ludw. Friedr., Phila- 
delphia 
Nock, Josephj Philadelphia 
Noe, Carl Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Noessel, Georg, New Orleans, 

La. 
Nuys, W. van, Pittsburg, Pa. 

Oelschlaeger, Catherine, Her- 
mann, Mo. 

Oelschlaeger, Christoph Fr., 
Hermann, Mo. 

Oelschlaeger, Daniel, Philadel- 
phia 

Oesterle, Johann, Baltimore 

Oesternacht, Heinr. Wilh., Phil- 
adelphia 

Oestreicher, Johann, Philadel- 
phia 

Orth, Alexander, Philadelphia 

Osterloh, C. C, Hermann, Mo. 

Ott, Georg, Hermann, Mo. 

Ottoh, Franz Herm., New York 

Petri, Martin, Philadelphia 

Pfautsch, Georg Herm., Her- 
mann, Mo. 

Pfeiffer, Wilhelm, Pittsburg, Pa. 

Pfeil, P.. Baltimore 

Pfister, Philipp, Philadelphia 

Pfoi, Sylverius, New Orleans, 
La. 

Pinker, H. J. C, New Orleans, 
La. 

Plank, Friedrich, New Orleans, 
La. 

Pollart, Joh. Friedr., Philadel- 
phia 

Pommer, Carl, Philadelphia 

Pommer, Caroline Dorothea, 
Philadelphia 

Pommer, Edward, Hermann, 
Mo. 



ii6 



The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 



Pommer, Heinrich, Philadelphia 

Pommer, Wilhelm F., Philadel- 
phia 

Pommer, Wilhelm, Cincinnati, 
O. 

Pond, Daniel, Philadelphia 

Prager, J. G., Hermann, Mo. 

Presser, C. Valentine, Philadel- 
phia 

Pulte, Carl Anton, Skippacks- 
ville, Pa. 

Quandt, Johann, Hermann, Mo. 

Rammelsberg, Friedrich, Cincin- 
nati, O. 

Rasche, F., Philadelphia 

Rasche, Heinrich, Philadelphia 

Rau, Peter, Philadelphia 

Rauschlager, Johann, Cleveland, 
Ohio 

Rebhun, Friedrich, Philadelphia 

Reichenbach, Friedrich, Phila- 
delphia 

Reiger, Louis, Hermann, Mo. 

Reinhardt, Friedrich, Hermann, 
Mo. 

Reinhardt, Gottlieb, Montreal, 
Canada 

Rice, J. C, Hermann, Mo. 

Richter, Joh. Gottfr. Carl, Phil- 
adelphia 

Rickle, Jacob, Newark, O. 

Rickle, John, Newark, O. 

Rickenbock, H., Lancaster, O. 

Ried, Jacob J., Philadelphia 

Rieffenstahl, Georg, Philadelphia 

Riemann, Ferdinand, Philadel- 
phia 

Rietze, Heinrich, Hermann, Mo. 

Ripperger, Conrad, Philadelphia 

Ripperger, Heinr. J., Philadel- 
phia 

Ritter, C. G., Philadelphia 



Ritter, Florenz, Hermann, Mo. 
Roemer, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Roesle, Gottfried, Hermann, Mo. 
Roessler, J., New Orleans, La. 
Rohe, Michael, Philadelphia 
Rohrbacher, Christian, Her- 
mann, Mo. 
Roller, Joseph, Philadelphia 
Rollhaus, Daniel, Albany, N. Y. 
Rollhaus, Philipp, Albany, N. Y. 
Rommel, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Roos, Conrad, Philadelphia 
Rosche, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Rosenberger, Michael, Cleveland, 

Ohio 
Rosenberger, Nicholaus, Cleve- 
land, Ohio 
Rosienkiwiez, Martin, Philadel- 
phia 
Roeske, August, Philadelphia 
Roeske, Caroline, Philadelphia 
Rosle, Gottfried, New Orleans, 

La. 
Rothert, Hermann, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Rolhrang, Michael, Philadelphia 
Ruff, Johann Georg, Philadel- 
phia 
Runkele, Daniel Fr., Philadel- 
phia 
Rutschmann, Siegmund, Phila- 
delphia 

Sandermann, Johann, New Or- 
leans, La. 

Sattler, Magdalena, Philadelphia 

Schachtberger, Johann, New Or- 
leans, La. 

Schachtleiter, F. Anton, Pitts- 
burg, Pa. 

Schafer, Christian, Philadelphia 

Schafer, Georg, Hermann, Mo. 

Schaefer, Christopher, Philadel- 
phia 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 



117 



Schaefer, Jacob Friedr., Phila- 
delphia 
Schaeffer, Friedr. Georg, Phila- 
delphia 
Schaeffer, Joh. G., Philadelphia 
Scheide, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Scheidemantel, Charles, Colum- 
bia, Texas 
Scheldt, Adam, Hermann, Mo. 
Scheidt, Peter, Hermann, Mo. 
Schellenberg, Franz, Philadel- 
phia 
Scherff, J., Baltimore 
Schernicke, Marie Louise, Cleve- 
land, O. 
Scherr, Christian, Philadelphia 
Scherr, Ludwig, Philadelphia 
Schiedel, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Schiefer, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Schierholz, Emil, Cincinnati, O. 
Schild, Conrad, Philadelphia 
Schindler, Joseph, Philadelphia 
Schlachtberger, Joseph, New Or- 
leans, La. 
Schlegel, H. von, Hermann, Mo. 
Schlomer, C. L., Hermann, Mo. 
Schmid, Emanuel Fried., Cin- 
cinnati, O. 
Schmid, Wilhelm, New Orleans, 

La. 
Schmidt, Adam, Philadelphia 
Schmidt, Adam, Newark, Ohio 
Schmidt, Joh. Fried., Philadel- 
phia 
Schmidt, Johann, Albany, N. Y. 
Schmidt, Josef, Philadelphia 
Schmidt, P. Wilhelm, Philadel- 
phia 
Schmitz, Bernhard, Newtown. 

Pa. 
Schmoele, Heinrich, Philadelphia 
Schmoele, Dr. Wilh., Philadel- 
phia 
Schneider, Adam, Philadelphia 



Schneider, Friedrich, Philadel- 
phia J 
Schneider, Georg Jacob, Phila- 
delphia 
Schneider, Philipp, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Schniedewind, Hermann, Phila- 
delphia 
Schock, Georg, Philadelphia 
Schock, John J., Philadelphia 
Schonthaler, Gottfr., Hermann, 

Mo. 
Schonthaler, Joh. Christ., Phila- 
delphia 
Schotten, Georg, Hermann, Mo. 
Schrader, August, Philadelphia 
Schrader, Franz von, Philadel- 
phia 
Schrader, Heinr. Christ.. Phila- 
delphia 
Schrader, Otto von, Philadelphia 
Schramm, Leonhard, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Schreiber, Franz G., Philadel- 
phia 
Schreiber, Johann, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Schuatz, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Schubert, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Schuele, Joh. Georg, Philadel- 
phia 
Schultz, Joseph, New York 
Schurmacher, Conrad, Baltimore 
Schiitze, Gottfried, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Schwacke, Joh. Heinr., Philadel- 
phia 
Schwartze, Friedrich, Baltimore 
Schweikert, Bernhard, Philadel- 
phia 
Schweitzer, Conrad, Albanv, N. 

Y. 
Schweitzer, Hermann, Philadel- 
phia 



ii8 



The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 



Schweyer, Joseph, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Seelhorst, F. W. C, Philadelphia 
Seffert, John, Philadelphia 
Seller, Johannes, Hermann, Mo. 
Seilheimer, Heinrich, Philadel- 
phia 
Seitz, Adam, Philadelphia 
Seitz, Johann, Philadelphia 
Selter, Andreas, New York 
Seltzer, Eduard, Philadelphia 
Semken, Fr., Hermann, Mo. 
Sengenberger, Adam, Philadel- 
phia 
Senn, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Seybold, Joh. Philipp, Montreal, 

Canada 
Sidler, Johann, Hermann, Mo. 
Siedler, Adam, Philadelphia 
Sigrist, Ludwig, Philadelphia 
Soller, Georg M., Philadelphia 
Sommerhalter, Ludwig, Phila- 
delphia 
Spererer, Fried. Carl, Pittsburg, 

Pa. 
Spindler, Matthias, Baltimore 
Staffhorst, Erhard C, Philadel- 
phia 
Stark, Ferdinand, Philadelphia 
Stephan, Martin, Philadelphia 
Stieweg, H. C, Fairfield, Pa. 
Stietenroth, Heinr., Evansville, 

Ind. 
Stirnemann, Ulrich, Philadelphia 
Stockfleth, Adolf Fr., Philadel- 
phia 
Stoecklein, Martin, Philadelphia 
Stoehr, Wilhelm, Hermann, Mo. 
Storb, Theodor, Montgomery 

Co., Pa. 
Stottmeyer, C. F.. Hermann, Mo. 
Stiibgen, Gustav, Philadelphia 
Stiihlinger. Daniel, Philadelphia 
Stumm, Carl Wilh., Pittsburg, 
Pa. 



Summ, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Supper, Georg, Philadelphia 
Supper, Johann, Philadelphia 

Talmann, Johann, New Orleans, 

La. 

Thaldorf, , Baltimore 

Theiss, Johann, Philadelphia 
Tiemann, Christian, Philadelphia 
Tilg, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Trautwein, Carl, Hermann, Mo. 
Trautwein, Daniel, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Trautwein, Elizabeth, Hermann, 

Mo. 
Triebler, Friedrich, Philadelphia 

Vahrenhorstj J. H., Hermann, 

Mo. 
Valet, Adam, Philadelphia 
Valet, Christoph, Philadelphia 
Valet, Jacob, Philadelphia 
Veit, Heinr. Ludw., Columbus, 

Ohio 
Viereck, Catharine, Philadelphia 
Viereck, Friedrich, Philadelphia 
Viereck, Johann C, Philadelphia 
Viereck, Marie Elizabeth, Phila- 
delphia 
Vieth, Joseph, New Orleans, La. 
Voegtly, Nicholaus, Pittsburg, 

Pa. 
Vogt, Joseph, Hermann, Mo. 
Vogt, Theodor, Hermann, Mo. 

Wagenschwanz, V., Cleveland, 

O. 
Wagner, Adam, Hermann, Mo. 
Wagner, Conrad, Philadelphia 
Wagner, Jacob, Pittsburg, Pa. 
Wallrapp, Wilhelm, Philadelphia 
Walther, Georg, Manayunk. Pa. 
Wandel, Adam, Philadelphia 
Wandel, Peter, Russetville. Ky. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 



119 



Wangelin, Adolf von, Cleveland, 
Ohio 

Wangelin, Friderika von, Cleve- 
land, Ohio 

Weber, Albert, New Orleans, La. 

Weber, Sylvester, Philadelphia 

Weigel, Heinrich, New Orleans, 
La. 

Weller, Jonas, Philadelphia 

Welter, Nikolas, Hermann, Mo. 

Wendel, J. Peter, Russetville, 
Ky. 

Werkloe, Heinrich, Philadelphia 

Werkner, Carl, New Orleans, 
La. 

Wesselhoeft, J. G., Philadelphia 

Wesselhoeft, C. F., Philadelphia 

Wesselhoeft, Dr. W., Bath, Pa. 

Westerfeldt, Heinrich, New Or- 
leans, La. 

Wetzel, August, New Orleans, 
La. 

Wetzel, Jacob, New Orleans, La. 

Wetzstein, John O., New York 

Widersprecher, D., St. Louis, 
Mo. 

Widmann, Fr. Wilh.. Philadel- 
phia 

Wilcke, F. W., Philadelphia 

Will Georg, Albany, N. Y. 

Willing, Nick., New Orleans, 
La. 

Wirth, Franz, New Orleans.La. 

Wittmann, David, Philadelphia. 



Witmann, John H., Philadelphia 
Woellner, Carl, Ciincinnati, O. 
Woern, John, Hermann, Mo. 
Wohlein, D. W., Philadelphia 
Wolf, Moritz Leo, Piladelphia 
Wollenscheider, Jacob, Newark, 

O. 
Wollensack, Andreas, Albanv, 

N. Y. 
Wollensack, Johann, Albany, 

N. Y. 
Wollenweber, L. A. Philadelphia 
Wolsiefifer, Johann, New York 
Wornweg, Wilhelm, Hermann, 

Mo. 

Yeager, Jacob, Cleveland, O. 
Young, Wm. E., Hermann, Mo. 

Zaiser, August, Philadelphia 

Zeller, Jno. A., Newark, O. 

Ziegler, Georg, Philadelphia 

Ziegler, August, Hermann, Mo. 

Zimmermann, Christ, Philadel- 
phia 

Zimmermann, Gottlieb, Philadel- 
phia 

Zipperer, Johann Georg, Phil- 
adelphia 

Zoller, Johann Georg, Philadel- 
phia 

Zorn, Joseph, New Orleans, La. 

Zorn, Peter, New Orleans, La. 



Thus we have a grand total of 678 participants in the affair. 



The last share which the officials at Philadelphia disposed 
of was sold on Dec. i, 1839, or a few days before the dissolution 
of the organization. 



120 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

CHAPTER II. 

THE COLONY HERMANN. 

I. General View, 

In 1858 the venerable Friedrich Miinch gave this picture of 
Hermann, which was then twenty years old. 

„Hermann, siidlich am Missouri in Gasconade County mit 1400 
teutschen Einwohnern, einem Hauptdepot der Pacific-Eisenbahn, 
zwei Kirchen, einem teutschen Gesellschaftshaus ; Hauptgewerbe 
ist der Weinbau ; hat eine teutsche Zeitung. Hermann ist auf der 
Siidseite amphitheatralisch von Hugelreihen umgeben, auf welchen 
erst in den letzten Jahren der Urwald ausgetilgt wurde, um fur 
die jahrlich sich mehrenden Rebenanlagen Platz zu machen. Ist 
auch der Boden landeinwarts nicht besonders fruchtbar, so ist er 
doch mit grossem Fleisse angebaut und der nicht bebaute Theil gut 
beholzt. Gegeniiber auf der Nordseite des Stromes erstreckt sich 
weithin ein Strich der fruchtbarsten Missouri-Niederung. Der 
Strom ist hier sehr breit, und gerade vor der Stadt liegt eine grosse 
aber unbewohnte Insel. In Hermann vergisst man dass man sich 
in einem nicht teutschen Lande befindet. Zwei offentliche Schulen 
(von welchen die eine fiir immer eine teutsche bleiben muss) sor- 
gen fiir die Unterweisung der Jugend."* 

This rather general picture is supplemented by Gert Goebel 
who touches upon a few more details. His account dates almost 
twenty years after Miinch's : 

„Der eigentliche Geschaftstheil der Stadt liegt in der Nahe des 
Flusses und der Eisenbahn ; dort ist das Terrain ganz eben, die 
Hauser stehen dicht beisammen und die Strassen sind gut ge- 
pflastert und mit breiten Trottoirs versehen, aber sobald man sich 
von diesem Stadttheil etwas entfernt, nimmt der Ort einen land- 
licheren Anstrich an ; die Wohnungen stehen einzelner und sind von 
einer einfacheren Bauart, und das ganze Grundstiick um die Hauser 
herum ist mit Gemiise, Obstbaumen und Reben bepflanzt. Ein Spa- 
ziergang durch die Stadt, womoglich zur Zeit der Obstbliithe, hei- 
melt einen alten Deutschen sehr an, denn er kann sich einbilden, 
plotzlich in eines der grossen, wohlhabenden Dorfer in der alten 
Heimath versetzt worden zu sein, und ich habe sogar schon man- 
chen Amerikaner, den ich wahrend eines solchen Ganges auf die 
einfachen und natiirlichen Schonheiten aufmerksam machte, ganz 

* Miinch, "Der Staat Missouri," p. 204. 



And its Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. 121 

gemiithlich werden sehen, besonders wenn wir erst in den Wein- 
kellern der Herrn Georg Hussmann oder Michael Poschel Wein- 
probe gehalten batten."* 

These quotations give indeed a very fair picture of Hermann 
as it appears even to-day. Only we do not really see how well 
the streets are kept, nor the touch of modern life in electric il- 
lumination, modern, tasteful, quite up-to-date business houses, 
nor the typical tall church steeples, nor the quaint old buildings, 
showing a strange architecture, their roofs dripping on the side- 
walk, against which they are closely pressed, as if building space 
were indeed scarce. If one adds these facts to the above descrip- 
tion the picture of peaceful Hermann is practically complete. 

In previous chapters we have from time to time obtained an 
insight into the growth of the colony Hermann, while it was yet 
subject to the Philadelphia society. We shall now see how the 
settlement prospered, after the separation, how far it has re- 
mained true to its traditions and what it has contributed to the 
commonwealth in which it exists. In order to understand and 
appreciate the accomplishments of the colony, we are compelled 
to pursue the method of reverting constantly to the beginning, 
when rifle and axe prepare the way for civilization, and then lead 
up, gradually, to present day conditions. In this way, it is be- 
lieved, a rather complete perspective will be obtained. 

Throughout the State of Missouri, Hermann is familiarly 
known as Little Germany. According to the census of 1900 its 
population is only 1,575, niost of whom are German, and the 
county in which it is found, Gasconade, has, according to the same 
census, 1,453 foi'eign born Germans. These last figures by no 
means represent the numerical strength of the Germans of the 
county, since all those born here are classed as natives. The set- 
tlement being old, most of those included in the report are Ameri- 
can born. When Fr. Miinch wrote the passage quoted at the 
beginning of this chapter, Hermann had 1,400 inhabitants. It 
was then no longer held, as was formerly the case, that Hermann 

* Goebel, "Ldnger als ein Menschenleben in Missouri," p. 140. 



122 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

would outstrip every town in the state save St. Louis. Still it 
was confidently expected that it would continue to grow con- 
sistantly. The reasons for this failure to grow have been pre- 
viously enumerated and scarcely need reiteration here. In a word 
the geographical and topographical conditions of the location de- 
termined its growth. Though small, the town and its environs 
bear the unmistakable stamp of things German. 

It is now seen clearly that the members of the Ansiedlungs- 
Gesellschaft, when they pleaded for, urged and then demanded the 
transfer of power, entertained but little intention of continuing 
in the spirit of the fathers of the movement. They wisely enough 
foresaw a continual struggle against insurmountable odds ahead 
of them, should they strive to carry out the plans to the letter. 
Consequently they early contented themselves with a modified in- 
terpretation of the plans, as in the nature of things they were 
compelled to do. But the way in which they have, after all, suc- 
ceeded in fostering and upholding things German, after the cur- 
tailment of so many apparent possibilities, must elicit from all 
sides the heartiest plaudits. Their accomplishments still stand, 
and will long stand, as a worthy monument to their and their 
predecessors' zeal. They have in innumerable ways contributed 
their measure to the success of the Missouri Germans. 

When it had become unmistakably clear that the times, con- 
ditions and surroundings absolutely compelled an abandonment 
of original intentions and hopes the town found itself in posses- 
sion of thousands of acres of land, for which it had no practical 
use, and which on the other hand was a severe burden and a 
handicap to its progress. It was accordingly decided to dispose 
of the land at public sale. "That the lands of the Gernian Settle- 
ment Society be sold to the highest bidder, in 40 acre tracts, on a 
credit of two, four, and six years, by giving notes with approved 
security and mortgage on the purchased land or other real estate, 
6 per cent, interest, until maturity, 10 per cent, interest, after 
maturity." So read the trustee's minutes of April 28, '43. The 
minimum price per acre was set at $2.25. The announcement of 



And its Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. 123 

the sale was made public through the St. Louis papers. Evi- 
dently not all land was disposed of at that time, for one year 
later the minimum price per acre was reduced to $1.25, which 
was the exact cost price. Apparently a speedy disposal of the 
land was desired. 

In February of '43 a grievous misstep was made by the cus- 
todians of the old society lands when it was voted "that holders 
of certificates (Actien Scheine) of the German Settlement So- 
ciety shall in future not be entitled to return the same as payment 
for land, but that said certificates shall entitle the owner only to a 
Town lot for each, expressed thereon." This showed a serious 
breach of trust and rudely overrode the old constitution, faith in 
which had really induced the purchaser to enter the body at all. 
It was also an open disregard of the promises made at the time 
of the transfer. What magnifies the wrong is that it remained 
unrectified until December of '45, when a more equitable board 
decreed: "That shares of the German Settlement Society, or 
sufficient vouchers for the payment of such, shall again be re- 
ceived at the rate of $50.00 a piece, at all payments for lots and 
lands belonging to this town, the land to be rated at $2.25 per 
acre and the resolution No. i, passed on the 8th of February, 
1843, be and the same is hereby repealed." 

Ten years had passed and yet Hermann had not cleared up 
all the affairs of the old society. To bring the whole matter to 
an end it was resolved on May 6th, 1848: "That all shareholders 
of the German Settlement Society in Hermann, State of Mis- 
souri, are hereby requested to exhibit their claims, thereby granted 
to them, before the first day of May, A. D. 1849, otherwise they 
may be precluded from any benefit thereof. That the foregoing 
paragraph be published three times in seven of the most popular 
German newspapers printed in the different States of the Union." 

As a matter of fact the land question gave the town serious 
concern for many years, .even after this announcement. Hermann 
indeed still has some land whose owners never saw their posses- 
sions. Other portions have been sold for taxes. 



124 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

When the Hermann settlement was made, the County ot Gas- 
conade was but sparsely settled. The county seat had for short 
periods existed at three different hamlets — Bartonville. Gascon- 
ade City, and Mount Sterling. When the settlement society chose 
Hermann as its site, population became massed in the northern 
part of the county. It is usually the custom to have the county 
seat located near the centre of the county. If, however, the cen- 
tre of population is somewhere else the site for the public build- 
ings goes to that centre. So it happens that Hermann though on 
the extreme northern border of the county now has the court 
house. As early as 1841 the settlement realized the advantages 
of having the county seat in their midst. They proposed to erect 
a brick courthouse instead of an old log hut 20 feet by 24 feet cost- 
ing $303, as Mount Sterling then had. They also offered Mount 
Sterling, then an insignificant hamlet, certain material returns to 
permit the change. In 1842 the change was effected and Hermann 
began the erection of a new public building. This old building 
answered all the purposes of the county until a few years ago, 
when it was supplanted by a magnificent structure, modernly 
equipped. It is the magnanimous gift to the county by one per- 
son, the late C. D. Eitzen. We believe it would be difficult to find 
another instance of such altruism in the state. This public bene- 
factor came as a young man to Hermann when it was still in its 
pioneer days. From the humble position of a penniless clerk in 
a store, he arose through individual effort, strictly adhering to 
the principles of equity and justice, until he became the wealthi- 
est man of the county. Despite his wealth he ever remained hum- 
ble. His voice was heard in every deliberation for the good of 
his town and county, and his counsel was ever just. He had the 
honor of serving in two constitutional conventions in his state. 
He was ever a blessing to his contemporaries and his munificent 
gifts to the town school, the churches, the town, the lodge of 
Free Masons, the county and various other organizations make 
all men of Hermann and Gasconade County his lasting debtors. 
In these gifts he has erected for himself a memorial that will out- 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 125 

live bronze and marble. He was the largest hearted German 
the little town has ever had. In the splendid little park, the trees 
of which he planted himself, which his generosity prompted him 
to bequeath to the comfort of his town, in this park his grateful 
beneficiaries have erected as a memorial, his bust in heroic size. 
On the supporting base there are inscribed the brief but fitting 
words : "A tribute to the memory of Charles D. Eitzen whose 
life was a record of Generous Deeds and Public Usefulness." 

Politically most of the voters at Hermann are of Republican 
persuasion. During the Civil War they were avowed Unionists 
and furnished their share of soldiers. Some were detailed to do 
guard duty in the state while many others joined the troops that 
fought on southern battlefields. 

A very amusing incident occurred at Hermann towards the 
close of the war. That loose conglomerate of men, 25,000 in 
number, known popularly as Price's army, who sided with the 
south, traversed Missouri from the Arkansas border to the Mis- 
souri river and on their way hit upon Hermann. This was in 
October of 1864. Most of the able-bodied men of the town were 
enlisted in the service of the nation. Only a few old men and the 
women and children remained. When the reckless cohort ap- 
proached, a half dozen of the old resolute men who had seen serv- 
ice in the German army, could not resist the temptation to play a 
trick on the invaders despite the probable consequences. They 
took a small cannon which the town owned, mounted it on one of 
the many hills that overlook the town and when the vanguard of 
Price's army appeared in sight, they discharged a well directed 
shot at them and then beat a hasty retreat, tugging their cannon 
with them. The troops halted and opened fire on the unseen foe. 
After a short time the attack came from a second hill and soon 
from a third one. The troops were unmistakably bewildered. 
They believed that unexpectedly a strong enemy had been en- 
countered. Detachments of troops were detailed to reconnoiter, 
They ascended the three hills successively and on the last hill 
found the old cannon, alone, and spiked. Angered at this prank 



126 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

the old cannon was rolled down the bluff and into the muddy 
Missouri. In later years the citizens extracted it from the river 
bed and it is now mounted in front of the court house at Her- 
mann. The troops seeing that they had only been played with, 
passed on witiiout molesting the town. The Germans had given 
the impression that several cannon were concealed among the 
trees, by transporting their gun rapidly from one hill to another.* 
But where did the town get the cannon? Goebel explains it 
thus : 

„Vor langcn Jahreii hatte sich in Hermann eine freiwillige 
Schiitzen-Compagnie organisirt und ihre Dienste fiir den Fall der 
Xoth dem Staat zur Verfugung gestellt, als Anerkennung dafiir 
oder zur Uebung hatten sie einen Sechspfiinder mit einiger Munition 
zum Geschenk erhalten."** 

This old cannon has added much to many a celebration at 
Hermann. Many a festive occasion has it announced, many a 
political and other victory. When in 1886 the town so beauti- 
fully celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, it was intended that the 
old cannon should boom once for every year of the town's exist- 
ence. 

For forty some rounds all went well when an extra heavy 
charge tore a great section out of its side and so put the old 
weapon out of commission. 

The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Hermann, 
above alluded to, was a great event for the little town. The exer- 
cises extending over three days and judging from accounts that 
have come down to us, it must have been a memorable occasion. 
In July, 1886, this invitation was sent to various German com- 
munities far and near. 

„Den friiheren Einwohnern Hermann's, unsern Nachbarn, und 
alien Freunden deutschen Geistes und deutscher Gesittung senden 
wir unsern Gruss und laden sie zur Theilnahme an der Feier des 
50jahrigen Jubilaums unseres Stadtchens freundlichst ein. 

Die Biirger Hermann's." 



* Goebel, "Longer als ein Menschenlcben in Missouri;' p. 213. 
** Ibid, p. 214. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 127 

The program for the occasion was as follows : 

„Freitag, den 27sten August, Salut von 50 Kanonenschiissen. 

Samstag, den 28sten August, Abends halb acht Uhr, Illumina- 
tion der Stadt; Fackelzug. Die Aufstellung erfolgt am Spritzen- 
kaus. 

Marschall, Hugo Kropp. 

Nach dem Fackelzuge, Commers in der Conzert-Halle. 

Ansprache von Gustav Ettmiiller. 

Sonntag, den 29sten August, Morgens 8 Uhr, Festzug. Die 
Aufstellung erfolgt vor der Conzert-Halle, 

Marschall, Wm. Herzog. Nach der Ankunft auf dem Fair- 
platze, Begriissung der Theilnehmer durch Hon. Rudolph Hirzel, 
von Washington, Mo. Nachmittags 3 Uhr, Festrede, gehalten von 
Dr. Hugo Starkloff, von St. Louis, Mo. Hierauf Vortrage des Ge- 
sangvereins ,, Harmonic", Conzert der Hermann „Apostel Band" 
und des Musikcorps von Rheinland, Mo." 

For this occasion the railroad company offered reduced rates 
and the steam boats made extra trips. 

To the credit of the people of Hermann let it redound that 
most of them are proud of their German descent. They cling to 
their language tenaciously and lovingly, as will be verified by the 
Chapter on Education. On the streets and in the business houses 
German is quite generally spoken. This is not to imply that these 
people are ignorant of the language of their country. By no 
means. Only a limited number of very old people fail to respond 
in English when so addressed. This, however, should be said 
that with but few exceptions all of them have a striking peculiar- 
ity of accent and intonation. This peculiarity of speech can 
hardly be disposed of by stating that it is the common German- 
English. It is not the consonants that trouble these people. It 
is not so much the length of the vowels either but their quality, 
and then a most striking intonation. We believe some interest- 
ing problems for a dialectician and phonetician could be found 
here. 

The few English speaking persons of Hermann have almost 
without exception acquired some knowledge of the German. 
While some of them cannot speak it well, all of them are prac- 
tically, for business purposes, compelled to understand it when 



128 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

spoken. Their children take the German course in the schools 
without modification. Interestingly enough, the few negroes in 
the town are masters of a beautiful Hermann German. A Ger- 
man-speaking negro is indeed an exception in Missouri. 

Most of the Germans of Hermann are descended from south 
or midland German stock, and naturally employ the dialect preva- 
lent in those sections. Near Hermann is found quite a large col- 
ony of Swiss people. 

2. Education. 

The people of Hermann have ever been adherers to the mot- 
to "jiiventtts spes mundi." Many of the early settlers were well 
educated men and quite naturally emphasized the absolute need 
of educating the young. In the nature of things they were seri- 
ously hampered by existing primitive conditions. Nevertheless 
from a humble beginning a laudable institution has arisen. In 
the face of almost insurmountable difficulties a school has devel- 
oped which, from its incipiency to the present day, has stood and 
stands unique among the schools of Missouri. So far as it car- 
ries out the wish of the founders of the colony, in keeping alive 
their native tongue, it may indeed be called exemplary. An ex- 
amination of the course of study of the Hermann Public School 
reveals the fact that German is being taught in every grade from 
that of the wee dimpled little ones, to the most advanced grade of 
the high school. This fact is known only locally even in Mis- 
souri. The reason perhaps lies in the fact that, barring one in- 
dustry, the town is unimportant commercially. It is indeed re- 
markable how firmly the Hermannites have clung to their desire 
to perpetuate their language. And that too despite the external 
non-German influence and the sporadic deserters from the ways 
of the fathers within their own midst. That the system does not 
work hardship or become a hindrance to the young men so edu- 
cated, is attested by the great number of highly successful busi- 
ness men that have gone to St. Louis, as well as those who do a 
flourishing business at home. On the contrary it works towards 



And its Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. 129 

the betterment of its subjects equipping them with two most pow- 
erful tools for business purposes. As far as stimulating its stud- 
ents to advanced work it is a success also. Hermann has always 
had its quota of students at the Missouri University and other 
institutions of advanced learninsf. 

To understand this system thoroughly we must study it from 
its beginning. In those early years the foundation was laid upon 
which the superstructure of to-day rests. We follow it, there- 
fore, from its first beginnings. 

During the summer of 1838 the colonists were too much oc- 
cupied with the clearing of forests, building of houses and laying 
out of roads to even consider the intellectual welfare of their chil- 
dren. With the following summer came a little more ease and 
the education of the youth was earnestly considered. In the 
spring of 1839 a room was rented of one Oelschlaeger and rudely 
equipped for school purposes, Mr. Bayer administering instruc- 
tion when his other numerous duties permitted him to do so. On 
the second day of July it was decided that a school house should 
be erected. Mr. Krauter agreed to build it for the consideration 
of $680. 

The Philadelphia society assisted the colony in this important 
work. In the autumn of this same year the building seems to have 
been ready for occupancy. We conclude this from the minutes 
of the Board of Trustees of the town — which body, among a 
multitude of other executive duties, also had charge of school 
matters. The item under consideration appears under the date of 
August 7th, 1839. (In quoting from the town record, we are 
compelled to resort to the English version, the German copy being 
misplaced, stolen, or destroyed. The language of these records 
is not always faultless. We make no apologies, however, for 
usmg it, since an un-Americanized people wrote them. Their idio- 
syncrasies and errors will prove interesting in themselves, and 
may even be valuable.) At the meeting under the date above 
quoted, the serious problem of engaging a teacher confronted the 
trustees. The primitive mode of procedure is a pertinent relic of 



130 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

the pioneer days of a frontier State. And yet it was, under the 
circumstances, the best and most expeditious method at hand. 
That trans-Mississippi country had at that time not yet developed 
the closely knit educational system it now boasts of. The min- 
utes read thus : "That a committee to consist of Wm. Pommer, 
J, Leupold, D. Widersprecher, is hereby requested to examine 
Mr. F. A. Hemme in regard to his knowledge of the German as 
well as the English languages." A lively examination these busi- 
ness men may have subjected this pedagogue to. They must have 
been satisfied with the proficiency shown, for upon their recom- 
mendation the colonists voted in favor of the candidate. Five 
days later this record was inserted : 

"That Mr. Hemme is hereby appointed as teacher of the 
town school under the followinor conditions : 

That he obey the instructions of the Trustees of the Town. 

That his salary for the present shall not be less than $300 per 
annum. 

That he shall attend school for the first year from 9 to 12 
o'clock A. M. and from 2 to 4 o'clock P. M. in winter; and from 
6 to 10 o'clock A. M. and from 2 to 4 o'clock P. M. in summer. 
Wednesday and Saturday afternoon no school to be held. 

That we give instruction in Reading and Writing the Ger- 
man and English languages, Grammatic, Arithmetic, History, Ge- 
ography and Drawing. 

That school commence on the 26th of August, 1839." 

Under what trying conditions this poor pedagogue entered 
upon his labors can be more easily imagined than described. 
School opened without any provision having been made for 
school-supplies. Two days after the date set for the opening, the 
Board resolved : 

"That the necessary school books be furnished by the Town 
and sold to the parents of the children at cost price. There shall 
be bought 100 copies of Wilmsen's "Kinderfreund," 50 copies of 
Webster's "Spelling Books," $10.00 worth of common writing 
paper, quills, ink and inkstands. Mr. J. Leupold is to undertake 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 131 

the purchase of the "Kinderfrenud," and the other articles to be 
provided by Mr. F. A. Hemme." No mention is made of aids 
for the study of History, Geography, Drawing and Arithmetic 
until years after this date. Presumably the instructor was to fur- 
nish this information from the stock of his knowledge. 

Despite all these difficulties and hindrances, the interest in the 
school was very much alive. The Trustees voted upon themselves 
the task: "That every week two of the Trustees together shall 
visit the School of the Town to ascertain the progress of the chil- 
dren and to further the same." Of course it was not an easy mat- 
ter to find competent teachers at the price that was offered and 
with the requirements that the instruction should be in two lan- 
guages. So we are not surprised to learn that Mr. Hemme did 
not remain in the graces of his patrons indefinitely. Every one 
having a voice in the man's election and retention, it was difficult 
to please all, for we all know the truth of "Viele Kopfe, viele 
Sinne." It was then decided : "That a teacher be sought for the 
school of the town who has been educated in Germany for the 
business of teaching, and who understands the English language 
thoroughly." The nature of things caused a centralization of 
power. The Board of Trustees assumed more absolute control. 
To oppose hindering forces to mar the progress of the school they 
decided: "That (the teacher) continue in the mode of teaching 
adopted by him, pay no regard to individuals, and that in case of 
disobedience of his scholars he have to give notice to the Trustees 
thereof." 

The manner of paying for services rendered the town was 
novel. Money was scarce in those days. Land was plentiful 
since the transfer of power to Hermann, so many payments were 
made in land grants. In the "Tagelohner Buch" at Hermann 
we find these entries : 

,,Carl Baer, fiir die Lotte No. 6 Ost zweite Strasse — $50.00 
bezahlt durch Verfertigung eines flatboats — $50.00. Somit die 
Lotte frey und sein Eigenthum." And another: „F. Miihlenbach 
ftir die Lotte No. 7 Ost dritte Strasse $50.00. Derselbe hat zu gut 
fiir Arbeit $60.50, daran baar empfangen $10.50. Somit die Lotte 
frey und sein Eigenthum." 



132 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Even the village schoolmaster did not escape this method. 
The record of August 23, 1847, states that the teachers salary is 
$300.00, $150.00, to be paid in cash, $100.00 in notes "due on the 
Treasurer" and $50.00 in an order on lot and land. 

On the 31st of March, 1841, a custom was inaugurated 
which has prevailed, in a modified form, until this day. On this 
day it was decided : "That the Secretary be directed to invite 
Messrs. Jno. C. Haufler, W. Franke, Francis Kuhne and Daniel 
Trautwein to be examined in the school of this town in the third 
week of April, Mr. W. Franke on the 19th, Mr. Fr. Kuhne on the 
20th, Mr. D. Trautwein on the 21st." 

This examination was for the purpose of ascertaining these 
gentlemen's knowledge of the common branches of learning and 
their method of instructing. We stated that this custom still pre- 
vails. The knowledge of the English and German languages 
being required, such a test is next to imperative. Every candi- 
date is subjected to the test. Be his credentials and recommenda- 
tions ever so good, he must undergo an examination as to his 
knowledge of the branches taught. This examination is admin- 
istered by the superintendent of the school in the presence of the 
board of directors. A class of school children is present, and with 
them the candidate demonstrates his methods of developing and 
presenting certain phases of work called for by his examiner. 
This is a unique but highly successful method of procedure. It 
might be stated here that the Hermann school board is unlike any 
other similar body in the state, known to us. It consists of eleven 
members. Six of them are chosen in conformity with the School 
Law of Missouri, and five of them have for their specific task the 
supervision of the German instruction. 

For three years all aiifairs of the Hermann school had been 
instigated and supported by the Germans of the colony. Quite 
naturally the German side of the instruction was especially em- 
phasized. In the spring of 1842 the school district of Hemiann 
was defined. This gave the colonists certain rights, as it also im- 
posed certain obligations. Under this new regime all the residents 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 133 

within the limits of the village were entitled to benefits from the 
school. Taxes must defray the expenses. School houses must 
be built by oil the people's money. Since the majority of the pat- 
rons were Germans, no difficulty was experienced in maintaining 
control. A new school house was erected and was known as the 
district school. For many years the two schools existed side by 
side. 

It became quite apparent to the men at Hermann that for the 
German school to exist, it would be compelled to look to its own 
resources, as no support could be expected from the hands of the 
state. Through the generosity of J. H. Koch a beginning had 
been made towards the establishment of a German school fund. 
In December, 1839, he issued this grant: 

„Geschenk fiir die deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft. 
Ich, Johann Heinrich Koch, aus Hamfeldt, Amt Alten Bruch- 
hausen, Konigreich Hannover, erklare hierdurch fiir mich und 
meine Erben, dass ich eine Actie obiger Gesellschaft, Share Book, 
No. 932, Running No. 576, ausgestellt in Philadelphia, den 18. Sep- 
tember 1839 der Stadt Hermann im Staate Missouri mtm Besten 
einer deutschen Schule geschenkt habe und ermachtige durch diese 
meine offentliche Anzeige die Trustees der Stadt Hermann, denen 
ich nachstens den Actienschein schicken werde, nach diesem meinen 
Willen zum wahren Wohle der deutschen Jugend zu verfahren und 
die Einkiinfte des zu wahlenden Bauplatzes oder Landes zum Besten 
einer deutschen Schule in Hermann anzuwenden, wie sie es fur eine 
gute und gediegene Bildung der dortigen Jugend am zweckmassig- 
sten halten. 

Philadelphia, den 19. December 1839.* 

Johann Heinrich Koch." 
J. G. Wesselhoeft, 
A. J. Stockfleth, 
Zeugen. 

This donation became the nucleus around which accumu- 
lated a permanent fund. The leaders at Hermann were far- 
sighted men. They realized the possibilities of the wealth that 
was intrusted into their keeping after the relinquishment of con- 



* A. und N. W. of December 21, 1839. 



134 ^^'(^ German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

trol by the Philadelphians. They appreciated the opportunity 
that through the sale of certain tracts of land a handsome fund 
would accrue, the income of which would insure a school revenue 
for all future time. In doing this, they would conform to the 
idealistic plans of the founders of the society. When the Her- 
mann School District was organized the citizens appreciating the 
vast good that would arise from it, and also realizing that only a 
few non-German residents would profit by it, they voted, on the 
8th of August, 1842, to grant a portion of land to this purpose: 
"That the following lands, belonging to the German Settlement 
Society, now the inhabitants of Hermann, shall be deeded over as 
"A Donation" to the Hermann School District, in fee simple." 
Then follows the stipulation of the land so donated, amounting 
to 1,170.63 acres. On the 6th of June, 1847, another grant was 
made for the support of education : "That the reserve lands of 
the Town be layed off in Town-blocks in conformity with the plot 
of the Town and thereupon so many of said blocks shall be sold 
at public auction until a sufficient sum is realized to establish an 
independent Town-school fund." It appears that on March 10. 
1849, there existed a German school fund of $5,000.00. On the 
5th of June, 1855, another step was taken to increase the funds 
for educational purposes, and that in the adoption of this resolu- 
tion : "That a public sale of 300 or 400 Town lots and of the 
Island in (the) Missouri River, belonging to the Town of Her- 
mann, be held on the first Monday of September, 1855, for the 
amelioration of the town school of Hermann, and this be pub- 
lished in the German newspapers." This fund has been con- 
tributed to by benevolent, big hearted citizens, until to-day it 
amounts to more than $10,000.00. It is securely invested in real 
estate and high interest bearing bonds. Its income goes towards 
defraying the expenses of the German School. The District 
School also has an endowment of several thousand dollars. Since 
the two schools are curiously welded into one, as the population is 
almost wholly German, the distinction exists practically only in 
the name. Previous to 1871 two buildings were used for educa- 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 135 

tional purposes, as has been pointed out. At that time, however, 
a more commodious building became a necessity. Since then this 
unique school is conducted under one roof, each teacher instruct- 
ing in both the German and the English languages. 

To conduct a school thus uniqely, it reqires more than the 
will of the people concerned. The school laws provide for and 
sanction instruction in the English language only, in the lower 
grades. It required a legislative act to overstep these bounds. 
This privilege was granted by the General Assembly of Missouri 
in 1849- It reads as follows: 

"Charter of the German School at Hermann." 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Mis- 
souri as follows : — 

Section i. A school for males and females is hereby estab- 
lished in the town of Hermann, which shall be known by the 
name of "The German School of Hermann." 

Sec. 2. Friedrich Hundhausen, Julius Leupold, Joseph Les- 
sel, August Wasser and H. Burkhardt are hereby appointed 
trustees of said school, and they and their successors in office 
are hereby created and constituted a body politic and corporate, to 
be known by the name and style of "The Trustees of the German 
School of Hermann," and by that name shall have perpetual suc- 
cession in office, shall have a common seal, may change, alter and 
break the same at pleasure, may sue and be sued, plead and be im- 
pleaded, answer and be answered unto in all Courts of this State 
or of the United States. 

Sec. 3. On the first Monday of April next there shall be 
held an election in the town of Hermann for the election of five 
trustees to manage the affairs of said school. They shall hold 
their office for one year and until their successors are elected and 
qualified; on the same day every year an election for trustees 
shall be held. 



136 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Sec. 4. At the first meeting of the Board, which shall be 
held one week after the election, the members shall elect a chair- 
man, who shall preside at all their meetings during the term for 
which he is elected trustee ; but in case of his absence, a chairman 
pro tempore shall be appointed. The Board shall hold their 
stated meetings, but may be convened by the chairman or any 
quorum whenever occasion may require it. They shall keep a 
journal of their proceedings, and all their meetings shall be 
public. 

Sec. 5. The trustees shall have power to receive by gift 
or otherwise and hold to them and their successors forever any 
land, tenements, moneys, goods or chattels of what kind soever, 
which may be purchased, devised or given to them for said school, 
and to lease, rent, put out on interest or otherwise dispose of the 
same in such manner as shall seem most conducive to the advan- 
tage of the school ; but shall never have power to sell, mortgage 
or in any way encumber with debt any real estate belonging to 
said school. 

Sec. 6. The Board of Trustees shall have power, and it shall 
be their duty, to superintend said school, to appoint one or more 
teachers, treasurer, and such other officers and servants as may 
be necessary, to remove the same for good cause, to stipulate their 
salary, to direct and determine what branches of education shall 
be taught in said school, and to make such by-laws, rules and reg- 
ulations as they shall deem necessary for the management of said 
school, but not contrary to the laws of this State ; and they shall 
never permit any professional religious doctrines to be taught in 
said school. 

Sec. 7. The trustees and the treasurer shall, before enter- 
ing upon their respective duties, take an oath to discharge the 
duties assigned to them as trustees or treasurer. 

Sec. 8. The treasurer shall receive all moneys, etc., accruing 
to said school and pay or deliver the same to the order of the 
Board of Trustees. Before he shall enter upon the discharge of 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 137 

his duty he shall give bond and security in such sum as the 
Board of Trustees shall direct, payable to them and their succes- 
sors, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties, under 
such rules and regulations as the Board may adopt, and it shall 
be lawful for said Board to obtain judgment for the amount 
thereof, or for any special delinquencies incurred by him under 
the same, "on motion" in any Court of record in this State 
against the treasurer and his securities, his or their executors or 
administrators, upon giving ten days' notice of such motion. 

Sec. 9. The interest of a capital stock of five thousand dol- 
lars ($5000) donated by the inhabitants of Hermann to said 
school shall annually be appropriated to the payment of a teacher 
or teachers and other necessary expenditures in the management 
of said school; but the principal shall forever be and remain in- 
violate. Should said interest prove insufficient to defray the 
necessary expenses of said school, then the trustees shall be 
empowered to make up the deficiency by issuing rate bills, as 
allowed to the common schools in this State. 

Sec. 10. Every free white householder of the town of Her- 
mann, who has been a resident of said town for at least twelve 
months preceding an election, shall be eligible and entitled to vote 
for trustees of this school, and all elections for trustees of this 
school shall be held and conducted in the same manner as 
elections for trustees at the town of Hermann, at least as near as 
practical. Should any election fail, the chairman of its Board of 
Trustees, or any quorum thereof (three) shall appoint judges 
and issue orders to hold an election without delay. Vacancies in 
said Board shall be filled by special election ordered as above. 

Sec. II. The Board of Trustees shall call at least one meet- 
ing a year of all the inhabitants of the town of Hermann, lay 
before them the situation of the school, and there shall be at least 
one public examination every year. 

Sec. 12. The chairman of the trustees shall, on the first 



138 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Monday of March of every year, publish handbills, or in a Her- 
mann paper, an exhibit of its affairs and conditions of said school, 
stating the number of teachers employed, the number of scholars 
that have been attending the school during the preceding year, 
males and females ; what branches of education have been taught 
what languages, etc. ; what money received and expended. 

Sec. 13. The trustees shall receive no pay for any ordinary 
services rendered. 

Sec. 14. This school shall be and forever remain a German 
school, in which all branches of science and education shall be 
taught in the German language. 

This Act to take effect from and after its passage. 
Approved March 10, 1849." 

Under this charter the school prospered until 1870 without 
any revocation or amendment being made to the writ. At that 
time, however, it was felt that a more spacious and better equip- 
ped building was needed. The General Assembly had introduced 
into it a bill providing for an amendment to the Act of Incorpor- 
ation of the German School at Hermann, which bill became a 
law on Feb. 25th, 1870.* The amendment, which is known as 
Section 15 of the charter, reads thus : 

"The trustees of the German School at Hermann are here- 
by authorized to lay a tax on all taxable property in the town of 
Hermann, not to exceed one-half of one per cent, annually, for 
the purpose of erecting a school house in Hermann and for other 
school purposes, which tax shall be collected by the officer who 
collects the municipal taxes of said town, and be governed by the 
laws regulating the collection of the municipal taxes of Hermann, 
and when collected, the same shall be paid oyer to such persons as 
may be authorized to receive the same by trustees of said school." 

It soon became evident that this process of securing the 
necessary money would require too long a time. For this rea- 



* Laws of Missouri, 1870, p. 315. 



And its Colony^ Hermann, Missouri. 139 

son an act, approved March 17, 1871, amended this amendment 
by adding : 

"If the tax of one per cent, be inadequate for the purposes 
herein specified, the trustees are authorized to issue bonds, not to 
exceed the amount of $8000, said bonds to be of one hundred 
dollars each, bearing 8 per cent, annual interest, and payable at the 
option of said trustees, within ten years from their respective 
dates, out of the proceeds of said tax one-half of one per cent."* 

In this manner the German School has been placed on a 
solid foundation, and its future is securely provided for until the 
people shall desire a change. 

The instruction given in the Hermann School is first-class, 
and quite up to date, as we can testify from personal observation. 
We have already emphasized the fact that German is taught in 
all the grades. It will doubtless be interesting to know what is 
being done in the High School. Three years of German are of- 
fered there, as Principal F. O. Spohrer writes me. We quote his 
course of study : 

"First Year. — Grammar, supplemented by the reading of 
Storm's Tmmensee,' Volkmann's 'Kleine Geschichten,' Baum- 
bach's 'Waldnovellen,' Schiller's 'Der Nefife als Onkel,' or the 
equivalent. 

"Second Year. — First half of Harris' Prose Composition ; 
the reading of Arnold's 'Fritz auf Ferien,' 'Auf der Sonnen- 
seite,' Wildenbruch's 'Das edle Blut,' Chamissos' 'Peter Schle- 
mihl,' or an equivalent amount, and sight translation. 

"Third Year. — Second half of Harris' Prose Composition, 
sight translation and the reading of Freytag's 'Die Journalisten,' 
Schiller's 'Das Lied von der Glocke,' 'Wilhelm Tell,' 'Die Jung- 
frau von Orleans,' 'Maria Stuart,' Lessing's 'Minna von Barn- 
helm,' or an equivalent amount." 

The term of school always extends over ten months. 



Lazvs of Missouri, 1871, p. 93. 



140 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

The school has a library of some 1300 volumes. Of this 
number 705 are German publications. The greater part of this 
number are "Jugendschriften," to the number of 463. Other 
books appear classified under the rubrics: Geography, Stories 
of Travel, Agriculture and Natural Science, Biography, History, 
Philosophy, and Mythology. Under the caption, "Literatur, 
Poesie, etc.," we find 145 volumes. Among this list we find the 
following : 

Auerbach, Berthold : 

„Das Landhaus am Rhein." 
„Auf der Hohe." 
„Schwarzwalder Dorfgeschichten." 

Brown, Chas. Brockden: 

„Edgar Huntley, oder der Nachtwandler" (translator not 
given). 

Chamisso, A. von, complete in two volumes. 

Carlyle, Thomas: 

„Ausgewahlte Schriften" (translated by A. Kretzschmar 
1855). 

Daumer, G. Fr, : 

„Hafis, eine Sammlung persischer Gedichte." 

„Deutscher Novellenschatz", compiled by P. Heyse and H. Kurz. 

Freytag, Gustav: 

„Die Ahnen." 

An old volume bearing the title ,,Erste und Merkwiirdige Reisen 
eines Europaers — Ludwig Fontaine etc.", dated 1792. 

Gerstacker, Fr. : 
„Tahiti." 

Goethe's works complete in 15 volumes with introduction by Karl 
Goedeke. 

Goethe & Schiller Xenien — Aus dem Schillerschen Musenalmanach 
fiir das Jahr 1797, with introduction by A. Stern. 



Btaxh, \h\Aj laugem I'eiben, am ^rcttog 
:?(benb urn 10 Ut)r 

im ^^ater uou 77 ^a^reit. 

Die *!Beerbifiuiig finbet ant Somitag 9?ac{)= 
mittag urn 3 1U)V auf ber ^arm ftatt, unb finb 
gremibe inib 3?efannte freuiiblit^ft ehigelabeii 
berfelbeii bei^imio^iieii. 

Die traueniben tinber 

Hermann, 9Jio., ben 9. Sept. 1905. 



ODD METHOD OP^ ANNOUNCING FUNERALS STILL 
PREVALENT IN HERMANN. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 141 

Hacklander, F. W. : 

„Das Soldatenleben im Frieden." 
„Wachtstuben-Abenteuer." 
,,Humoristische Erzahlungen." 
„Bilder aus dem Leben." 

Hartmann, Moritz — „Novellen." 

Hauff, Wilhelm : 

„Gedichte." 

„Novellen." 

„Mittheilungen aus den Memoiren des Satan." 

„Othello/' 

„Der Mann im Monde." 

„Marchen fiir Sohne und Tochter gebildeter Stande." 

„Lichtenstein." 

Heine, Heinrich : 

„Reisebilder", pub. by Schaefer & Koradi, Philadelphia. 

Herder, Job. Gottfr. : 

Werke in IV volumes compiled by H. Kurz. 

Herbert, Lucian : 

„Das Testament Peter des Grossen." 

Heyse, Paul : 

Vols. HI and IV of his „Novellen." 

Korner, Theodor: 

Complete Works. 

Lessing : 

„Minna von Barnhelm." 
„Emilia Galotti." 
„Nathan der Weise." 

The writings of the next twenty-one authors were published 
in Philadelphia by Morwits & Co., in a series named "Heimath 
und Fremde." The dates are not to be found — apparently, how- 
ever, they date from the middle of the last century. 

Armand : 

„Die alte spanische Urkunde." 

Betzold, M. : 

,,Um Ehre und Leben." 



142 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Brachvogel, A. E. : 

„Der Pels von Erz." 

Dedenroth, E. H. von: 
„Die Baronin." 
„Das Gespenst." 

Fischer, Wilhelm : 

„Vier Bliithen unci eine Frucht." 

Frenzel, Karl : 

„Herodias." 

Friedrich, Friedrich : 

„Nemesis." 
„Zwei Sohne." 

Gaborian, Emil : 

„Herr Lecog." 

Gerstacker, Friedrich: 

„Die Franctireurs." 
„Im Eckfenster." 

Guseck, Bernd von : 

„Deutschlands Ehre." 

Hahn, B. Edmund : 

„Die Sklaverei der Liebe." 

Hiltl, George: 

„Die Schlossdiehe." 

Miintzelberg, Adolph : 

,,Z\vei heitere Geschwister.'' 

Pierce, Etta : 

„Die Tochter des Millionars", translated by Alfred Mii- 
renberg. 

Pitawall, Ernst: 

„Gabriel, das Weib des Spielers." 

Prosper, Merrime : 
„Colomba." 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 143 

Samarow, Gregor: 

„Kreuz und Schwert." 

„Um Scepter und Krone." 

„Zwei Kaiserkronen." 

„Europaische Mienen und Gegenmienen." 

„Held und Kaiser." 

Schmidt-Weisenfels : 

„Die Soline Barnevelts." 
Streckfuss, Adolf : 

,,Der tolle Hans." 

„Der verlorene Sohn." 

Wachenhusen, Hans : 

„Salon und Werkstatt." 
Winterfeld, A. von : 

„Der Elephant." 

As will be observed, it is a class of the lesser literary lights. 
The library also contains the following books : 
Miigge, Theodor: 

„Die Vendeerin." 

„Der Vogt von Sylt." 

„Toussaint." 

„Erich Randal." 

„Der Prophet." 

,,Der Cavalier." 

„Spang." 

„Tanzerin und Grafin." 

„Verloren und Gefunden." 

Paul, Jean : 

„Siebenkas." 

„Dr. Katzenberg's Bad-Reise." 

„Flegeljahre." 

Renter, Fritz : 

„Woans ik tau 'ne Fran kamm." 
5,Ut de Franzosentid." 
„Ut mine Stromtid." 

Ruppius, Otto. Found in „Gesammelte Erzahlungen aus dem 
Deutsch-Amerikanischen Volksleben " : 

„Der Pedlar." 

„Ein Stiick deutschen Bauernlebens." 

„Drei Tage aus dem Leben eines Schullehrers." 



144 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

„Traumkonig und Schneider." 

„Das Vermachtniss des Pedlars." 

„Das Heimchen." 

„Eine Karriere in Amerika." 

„Prairieteufel." 

„Ein Deutscher." 

„Bill Hammer." 

„Eine Speculation." 

„Waldspinne.' 

„Zwei Welten." 

„Drei Vagabunden." 

„Aus dem Schullehrerleben im Westen." 

„Mary Kreuzer." 

,,Auf Regierungsland." 

„Buschlerche." 

„Vermisst." 

„Unter Freunden." 

„Die Nachbarn." 

„Geld und Geist." 

„Schlamm und fester Boden." 

„Priester und Bauer." 

„Eine Weberfamilie." 

Steiger, E. Compiler of: 

„Erstlingsbliithen deutscher Lyrik in Amerika." 

Schiller's complete works edited by H. Kurz. 

Scheffel's „Ekkehardt." 

„Der Trompeter von Sakkingen." 

Tiek, Ludwig: 

„Vittoria Accorombona." 

Witter, C. Compiler oi : 

,,Neuestes Taschenliederbuch fiir Deutsche in Amerika." 

Wieland's „Ausgewahlte Werke" by H. Kurz. 

Zschokke, Heinrich : 

„Die Rose von Disentis", pub. by N. R. Cormany, Main 
and Walnut Sts., St. Louis, Mo., 1846. 

The following publications are also found in the Hermann 
library : 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 145 

„Die Gegenwart" for 1875. 

„Globus-Zeitschrift fiir Lander und Volkskunde" for 1874. 

„Gaea — Nattir und Leben" for 1875. 

„Unsere Zeit" for 1874 — 5. 

„Deutsche Rundschau", 7 volumes. 

Among the Jungendschriften are found a number of books 
which originally belonged to the library at Turnverein. 

In closing this chapter on Education at Hermann, it should 
be stated that the Catholic Church supports a strong paroch- 
ial school. 

3. Government. 

In dealing with the question of the government of Hermann, 
we must begin with transactions that took place during the 
colony days. 

It will be recalled that the problem of transfer of power 
hinged largely upon the assurance of the incorporation of the 
town, for the society wisely declined to submit its rights and re- 
sponsibilities to anything but a corporate body, accepted and rec- 
ognized by, and responsible to the laws of the State. The colonists, 
eager to share certain privileges which incorporated towns en- 
joyed, had taken cognizance of this matter as early as the spring 
of 1838, or from the very incipiency of the settlement. On the 
29th of October, 1 838, a petition was addressed to the County 
Court of Gasconade County, which, under an act passed March 
II, 1825, possessed the power to incorporate towns in its juris- 
diction. This petition was passed upon favorably on February 
4th, 1839. The limits of the new body politic were the follow- 
ing: "Beginning at a point in the middle of the main channel of 
the Missouri River ; the west boundary line beginning north at the 
half-mile open line in Section 26, and running south 5060 feet 
through Sections 26 and 35 ; the east boundary line beginning 
at the quarter-section line in Section 25 and running south 5620 
feet through Sections 25 and 36; the south boundary line begin- 
ning at the point where the above-mentioned 5620 feet cease and 



146 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

running west until it strikes the west boundary line at the end of 
the aforementioned 5060 feet, Township 46 South of Missouri 
River, north of the base line range No. 5 west of Fifth Principal 
Meridian." 

The executive functions of this corporation were vested in 
five trustees elected by the people for the period of one year. In 
order to expedite matters, as is customary, the County Court ap- 
pointed a temporary Board of Trustees to serve until the regular 
election could be held. This appointed Board consisted of five 
men — Wilhelm Senn, Veit Ludwig Henrich, Friederich Lehder, 
Dedlev Widersprecher and Julius Leupold. The choice of the 
people, expressed about the middle of May, 1839, was the follow- 
ing, for the first trustees : Friedrich Lehder, Heinrich Heckmann, 
Hermann Bock, Julius Leupold, Silvester Doess. 

For five years Hermann existed under this Act of Incor- 
poration. In the winter of 1844-5 ^^e legislature was petitioned 
for a special charter, and on February 4th, 1845, it was granted. 
Before the present Constitution of Missouri was adopted, that 
is to say, prior to 1875, the inhabitants of a particular settlement 
desiring to organize into a town, applied to the legislature for a 
special charter of incorporation, which defined its powers and 
described its territorial boundaries.* Since that date no special 
charters are granted. Cities are classified according to their pop- 
ulation into first, second, third and fourth-class cities. The old 
charters could not be revoked except by a surrender of the same 
by the people incorporated under them. Most of the towns early 
voted themselves into the new order of things. Hermann, in its 
own peculiar way, clung to the old regime until April 4, 1905, 
when by a vote of 196 to 98 the people decided to abandon the 
old and come under the new rule. On the i6th of May, 1905, 
an election was held to choose the officers which the new regime 
calls for namely : Mayor, collector, aldermen, marshal, etc. August 



* Cf. Pern- S. Rader, "Civil Government and Hist, of Missouri, p. 115. 



■^nd its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 147 

Wohlt has the distinction of being the first Mayor of Hermann 

wh.,e,.s first aldermen are Gaus, Moebus. Sch.'ch and BoXa 

At the first meeting of tlie trustees, May i8th i8to there 

was maugurated a practice which, while the old charte las in 

vogue, was fa,thfully adhered to, namely, "That the Journal oi 

he Proceedmgs of the Board of Trustees shall be kept bot "n 

the G rman and Enghsh languages." Whether this method still 

prevads smce the change of ,905, we are not prepared to say 

rTT^^- u I '°*' '^°'™ ^='^^"5?^^ '" 'h'= boundary as re- 
com v",: f T °' I--P°-'-"- "That the district of 

country known by the name of the town of Hermann shall be 

in" ST: ' T'r'"" ^"' ^°^P°^^'^ '^'"^ -•''"" '^e tn w 
nl TtJ '■ 'S™'"^ ^' ^ P'^'"' '" ''- "-ddle of the chan- 

ne be ^"T\ ''• ""' "°"'' f''°™ "^^ quarter-section 
corner between Sect.ons twenty-six (26) and thirty-five („) 
Township forty-s,x (46), north, range five (5). west of i ; 
F.f h Prmcpal Meridian; then running due south to the north 

Sec , on th,rty-five (35), Township forty-six north ran^e , 

vest of the 5th Principal Meridian ; thence due east fo ty c te ns 

hence due south twenty chains; thence due west forty chain ■' 

hence due south twenty chains; thence due east eighty cha n '• 

tnenee due north twenty chains; thence due east twenty c a " ^ 

thence due north to the middle of the channel of the Missou i' 

R.ver, and along the channel back to the beginning " 

bv T r V '"* 'r "' ^^-™P-y"g rf-wing was sent to us 
B Wh r?"' ^"""'^ ''""''°' °' ^^^~-de County. Mr E 
Ph? , 'J" :™'°'' °' Mechanical Drawing at Drexel Institute' 
Ph.ladelph,a. had the kindness to make the drawin. 

ation oVil^r""^^"; ?"f °' ''*5 witl, the AcTof Incorpor- 

rt,callv t^r T *' '"'°' '"""« °"'^ ' f^- P-"t' are 
ulent.cally the same n, language and substance. Under the first 

act only the five trustees were elected by the people. The other 



14^ The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

officers : assessor, collector, constables, were appointed by this 
Board. The new writ prescribed that they be also elected by the 
people. The power of the trustees under the new charter was ex- 
tensive and their duties legion. It must be stated here, however, 
that as time passed and new demands came, these powers were 
vested in special bodies, as, for instance, the matter of education, 
although the town continued to exist under the letter of the old 
document. To give a clear idea of the powers and duties of the 
Board, we quote from the old charter. Certain provisions were 
made which have no place in the charter of a city of the fourth 
class. This can only be accounted for by the fact that the idea 
of Hermann as a "Grossstadt" had not yet vanished. We quote 
from paragraphs 4 and 8 of the charter : 

"Said Board of Trustees shall have power to pass by-laws 
and ordinances to prevent and remove nuisances, to prohibit 
gambling and gaming houses, to license, regulate and prohibit 
theatrical and other amusements, to license merchants, grocers, 
pedlars, auctioneers, inn, tavern and coffee-house keepers and all 
taxes raised from such licenses shall be paid to said Board and ap- 
plied to the improvement of said town ; to prevent or restrain the 
meeting of slaves, the firing of firearms, to regulate and establish 
markets, to erect and repair bridges, to open, establish, widen, ex- 
tend and repair streets, avenues, lanes, alleys, public squares, to 
drain sewers and to keep the same clear, to graduate, pave and im- 
prove the streets of said town, to erect, repair wharves by the in- 
habitants thereof; and if any of them shall fail or refuse to per- 
form the part assigned to them, the trustees may hire the same to 
be done, and levy and collect the price thereof on the persons so 
failing or refusing, and they shall also have power to 
cause the proportionate part of such erecting or clearing 
to be done for the account of non-resident lot owners, 
and the price thereof to be levied and collected as afore- 
said, and, if it cannot be otherwise recovered, the trustees 
may have such lot or lots, or any part thereof, sold to de- 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 149 

fray the expenses of such improvements in such manner as said 
Board may by ordinance provide : to prevent the furious and un- 
necessary running, galloping, riding or driving any horse or mule 
within said town, or such part thereof as they may think proper ; 
to prohibit the running of hogs at large, and other stock within 
the incorporated limits of the town, or such parts thereof as the 
Board of Trustees may think proper; to establish night watches 
and patrols ; to suppress bawdy and other disorderly houses with- 
in the limits of said town ; to erect and maintain hospitals ; to pre- 
vent the introduction of contagious diseases, and to secure the 
general health of the town ; to provide for the extinguishing of 
fire ; to erect school houses, to keep the same in good repair and 
to provide for the education of children in said town ; to levy and 
collect taxes upon real and personal property in said town, but 
shall not impose a tax at a higher rate than one-half of one 
per centum on the assessed value of the property ; to fix the rate 
of wharfage; to regulate the landing and stationing of steam- 
boats, rafts and water-crafts; to provide for the inspection of 
lumber, building materials and provisions to be used or offered 
for sale in said town, to be exported therefrom ; to borrow money, 
if it be necessary, for paving or grading the streets, erecting 
warehouses, supplying water or making other public improve- 
ments in said town; to pass such ordinances for the regulation 
and police of said town as said trustees may think necessary, not 
contrary to the laws of this land, and said Board of Trustees shall 
have power to pass all ordinances to carry into effect the object 
of this act and the powers herein granted, as the good of the in- 
habitants may require and to impose fines and penalties for the 
breach of their ordinances; to regulate the clearing and cleaning 
of chimneys and fix the fees thereof ; to regulate and order parti- 
tion and parapet walls and partition fences ; to have the footways 
and sidewalks of the streets paved at the expense of the owners 
and occupiers of the lots fronting on such paved sidewalks, and 
if said owner or occupier fail to pave the same as directed by 



150 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

ordinance, said trustees shall pave the same and recover the full 
expense thereof from such owner or occupier, by action of debt, 
before any Court of competent jurisdiction, and if any tenant be 
required to pave in front of the property occupied by him, the ex- 
pense thereof shall be a good offset against so much rent due the 
owner; but no tenant shall be required to expend more than the 
rent for the term for which he occupied the property. If any per- 
son who is a non-resident fail to pave in front of his property 
in the manner and time prescribed by the ordinance, or if any 
person who is a resident fail to pave as aforesaid, and the ex- 
pense of paving cannot be otherwise recovered from him. the 
trustees may have such lot. or any part thereof, sold to pay ex- 
penses of said improvement in such manner as said Board may 
by ordinance prescribe; provided, that such person, whether resi- 
dent or non-resident, whose property has been sold under the pro- 
\isions of this act, shall have the right to redeem the same within 
two years from the date of such sale, by paying the full amount of 
the taxes and cost due thereon, together with the interest, at the 
rate of fifteen per cent, per annum." 

To a provision in these rigid regulations the good sidewalks 
of Hermann are in a great measure attributable. They are excep- 
tionally wide and substantial. A board sidewalk is positively un- 
known in the town. 

On February 3, 1870, the old charter was supplemented by 
an act providing for the macadamizing of the streets. This work 
has been done, and Hermann can boast of streets and sidewalks 
far above those of any other town of its size in the State. 

Hermann is a very peaceful town. Until 1906 there was no 
holdover within its limits. But rarely disorderly conduct is seen 
on her streets. and then the transgressors are usually non-residents 
of Hermann, who do not know 'how to curb their appetites in this 
wine-town as those to the manor born have learned to do. The 
occasional cases were formerly cared for in the county jail, which 
is located here. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 151 

4. Industries at Hermann. 

Small as Hermann is, it nevertheless stands in a class by it- 
self among the towns of Missouri in at least one industry, namely, 
the production of wine. The Missouri State Labor Bureau is- 
sued this statement: "Missouri for 1904 shipped a twelfth of the 
wine placed on the market by all States."* According to this 
same report, the surplus number of gallons of wine Missouri 
produced is 3,068,780 gallons. Of this quantity Gasconade 
County alone furnished 2,971,576 gallons. Almost all of this 
amount was produced at Hermann, or its immediate surrounding 
country districts. 

This industry is by no means a recent venture. On the con- 
trary, it is the legitimate outcome of many years of intelligent ap- 
plication, its beginning dating back to the strenuous days of 
Hermann's beginning. Gert Goebel comments upon this fact in his 
valuable book on the Missouri Germans : "Hermann kann mit 
Recht die Wiege des Weinbaues in Missouri genannt werden."** 
And as the statistics above quoted indicate, it maintains its birth- 
right with dignity. Many causes for this centralization of the 
wine industry have been cited, many conjectures have been made 
to account for it. First of all, it is always stated that northern 
Gasconade County is almost wholly German. Most persons find 
this to be sufficient explanation. But when it is remembered that 
Putnam County, with only 53 foreign-born Germans, ranks sec- 
ond in this business, and that other German settlements produce 
no wine at all, the value of such an explanation is diminished. 
Of course, the aptitude the German has acquired for the wine cul- 
ture played a great role in this matter. But it must be shown 
what class of Germans they were to make the statement really of 
value. This is done by Goebel, whom we quote here : 

„Es ist sehr begreiflich, dass die ersten deutschen Ansiedler im 



* Annual Report of the Bureau of Labor of Missouri for j'ear ending 
November 5, 1905, p. 21. 

** Gert Goebel, "Ldnger als ein Menschenleben in Missouri!' P- 141. 



152 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Frain Thale sehr bald nach ihrer Niederlassung auf die Idee kamen, 
Versviche mit der Veredlung des Rebstocks zu machen ; denn ijberall 
im Walde und selbst an den steinigsten Bergwanden wuchsen wilde, 
sehr rauhe Trauben in Menge, und da die allermeisten dieser frii- 
hen Ankommlinge Siid-Deutsche und Schweizer waren, so mochten 
sie leicht an die Weinberge in ihrer alten Heimath am Rhein, Neckar 
und Main erinnert worden sein, und somit ward der erste Anstoss 
gegeben.* 

Experiments with the wild grape were early made ; but, prov- 
ing unsatisfactory, the cultivated vine was introduced. Though 
no great yields are mentioned for the first years, yet the trial must 
have promised generous returns. As early as November 25th, 
1844, the trustees of Hermann took an action which expresses 
the manifest intent to encourage the cultivation of the vine: "That 
those persons who reside here be allowed to take up vacant lots, 
belonging to the town, for the purpose of cultivating the vine, 
upon the following conditions, to wit. : (a) The lots are to be 
paid for, without interest, after a lapse of five years ; that is to say, 
one-fifth of the purchase money to be due each year, without in- 
terest, (b) That no applicant can be allowed to have more than 
five lots, in the manner aforesaid, and that the persons so taking 
up lots, be required to pay all taxes resting upon the same from 
the time of the taking up of such lots, (c) That each person so 
taking up lots pledge himself within the space of two years to 
plant two-fifths of the lots taken up with the vine, so that in five 
years the whole of said lots be planted ; otherwise to forfeit his 
claim or title thereto and be liable to the payment of ten per cent, 
annual interest on the purchase money." 

This was, indeed, a liberal ofifer. But, generous as this was, 
the town fairly outdid itself when it extended the time limit to 
ten years, making the first payment due five years after the tak- 
ing up of the land. How eagerly this opportunity was accepted 
is manifested by the fact that by exact count just 600 "wine lots" 
were bought from the society. Selling at the uniform rate of 



* Gcrt Goebel, "Longer als ein Menschenlcben in Missouri," pp. 141-2. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 



153 



$50.00 per lot, the coffers of the town must have been liberally 
replenished. In the "Verzeichniss der unter der zehnjahrigen 
Kaufbedingnng aufgenommen Weinlotten nebst Noten — Reg- 
ister A," it appears that John Sidler has the distinction of acquir- 
ing the first "wine lot." The simple record kept is this : 

JOHN SIDLER. 

Jan. 2, 1845 



Lots Nos. 

106 W. 4 & 105 W. 5 St. 

102, 104 W. 4, loi, 103 W. 5th St. 





wherefore his notes 




CO 


CO 


CO 


00 


CO 


Jan. 2 


50 


50 


50 


50 


50 



250 



These incentives did not fail to arouse interest and bring 
results. Less than four years after the passage of the above- 
quoted resolutions, the brilliant success of the first yield was be- 
comingly celebrated. At this point Goebel again furnishes us 
a most interesting account of Hermann's first "Weinfest." 

„Ich kann mich des ersten Weinfestes in Hermann im Herbst 
1848 noch sehr gut erinnern. Dr. Gerling und ich ritten mit einan- 
der zu diesem Feste nach Hermann und als wir gegen Abend dort 
ankamen, donnerte ein Sechspftinder seine Griisse und Gliick- 
wiinsche iiber Berg und Thai. Die Kunde von diesem Erfolg war 
in Missouri so weit gedrungen, wie damals deutsch gesprochen 
wurde; und es waren sogar Besucher von St. Louis, Damen und 
Herren, auf Dampfbooten angekommen. Am nachsten Morgen 
machte sich eine ganze Cavalcade auf den Weg zu dem Weinberg 
des Herrn Michael Poschel, und ich habe es in der That nicht be- 
reut, den weiten Weg von zwanzig Meilen gemacht zu haben, als 
ich dort die Traubenpracht mit eigenen Augen sah. Sein tragender 
Weinberg hatte kaum den Flachenraum von einem einzigen Acker, 
aber die Spaliere schienen dort eine Wand von Nichts als Trauben 
zu sein und darunter war keine einzige faule Beere zu bemerken. 
Der Ertrag aus der Lese von diesem kleinen Weinberg war ein sehr 
hoher, denn guter Catawba, der, wenn er richtig behandelt wird, 
dem Rheinwein sehr nahe kommt, war damals sehr gesucht und 
wurde gut bezahlt."* 

In striking upon this industry, Hermann had found the true 
sphere in which it could excel. The land, while not adapted to 



* Goebel, "L'dnger als ein Menschenleben in Missouri," p. 142. 



154 ^^'^ German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

general agriculture, is admirably suited to fruit raising. To re- 
move all hindrances to this industry, as well as to encourage the 
work, the trustees granted the "Western Fruit, Grape and Horti- 
cultural Society" the use of four lots, "for the purpose of a 
nursery, for the term of twenty years which, after ten years, may 
be sold to this society for $50.00 per lot." 

From these small, determined beginnings the wine industry 
rapidly grew, outstripping all similar undertakings, not only in 
Missouri, but in the entire stretches of the great Missouri Valley, 
reaching the proportions we depicted in the beginning of this 
chapter. The golden age of Hermann's great industry began in 
the year 1865. By this time many of the best kinds of grapes had 
become acclimated. The Virginia Seedling, the Concord and the 
Delaware and other kinds had proven their hardiness to with- 
stand Missouri's changeful climate. 

Among the pioneers in this lucrative business at Hermann 
belong the brothers, Michael Wilhelm and Melchior Poeschel, 
Franz Langeiidoerfer, Jacob Rommel, Sr., Geo. Hussmann, 
Strecker, Vallet, Grein and others. Among the later and pres- 
ent promoters of the work may be named Fleisch, Eberlin, Vogt, 
Hundhausen, Henze, Franz and Jacob Kuhn, Mueller, Petrus, 
Weydemeyer, Puchta, Loehring, Rhodius, Sobbe, Jacob Rom- 
mel Jr., Sperry, and others.* Besides this long list of producers, 
there exists in Hermann an old wine company under a compara- 
tively new name. The firm is now known as the Stone Hill Wine 
Company. It does the lion's share of Missouri's wine business. 
Its famous wine cellars are said to be the largest east of Cali- 
fornia.** 

Other products of Hermann are beer, whiskey and shoes. 
In the palmy days of steamboating on the Missouri, Hermann 
was a widely-known shipping point. Many of the boats plying 
Missouri's dark waters were owned by men in Hermann. Even 



*"Hennanner Volksblatt" for Oct. 27, 1905. 
** Walter Williams "The State of Missouri," p. 



,'*if^T 




And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 155 

now the little town claims the distinction of ownig more boats 
than any other town along the river. When the many lines of 
railroad were constructed in the valley, steamboating became im- 
practicable and ceased almost completely. Aside from the pro- 
ducts already enumerated, Hermann furnishes nothing beyond the 
usual contributions peculiar to the average country town. 

We cannot conclude the chapter pertaining to Hermann's 
business enterprises without considering briefly the quaint old 
market house, once the scene of hustle and bustle, but now almost 
deserted. It will be remembered that in an early part of our 
story reference was made to the broad street and the market 
houses that should be built in this street. As a matter of fact, 
only one such building was erected. It still stands — a two-story 
brick building, just in the middle of the broad street, below 
Fourth Street. 

We believe it would be a difficult task to find another Mis- 
souri town of Hermann's population provided with such a build- 
ing. We are at once reminded that we are dealing with a pe- 
culiar settlement — different from all its neighbors. It further- 
more stands as an undeniable proof that the people once enter- 
tained the loftiest hopes of their creation. The fact also sug- 
gests itself that the founders of the settlement were of foreign 
extraction, to whom such institutions were familiar and appar- 
ently a necessity, even in smaller towns. 

The first suggestion of such a centralization of the market 
business came on May ist, 1854. We read in the minutes of the 
trustees of that day : "That the petition about a market house will 
be considered, and that the trustees will view the locality." It is 
remarkable that such a request should come as late as this in the 
history of the colony. By this time it was clearly understood 
that Hermann would not be a great city. It must have been due 
to the fact that many of the residents were formerly Grossstadter 
and of foreign birth. On the 14th of August of the same year 
quoted, the contract for the work was let. The building was com- 



156 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

pleted early in March, 1856. The lower floor was provided with 
eight stalls for butchers and provisioners. The upper story con- 
sisted of one large hall and served as city hall and for public meet- 
ings of various kinds. The stalls were sold to the highest bidders. 
The regulations restricting the sale of meat and provisions to the 
market house made it imperative for provisioners to secure rooms 
here. The stalls sold at various prices. The first occupants paid 
from $3.80 to $5.00 per stall per annum. A market master had 
supervision of the house, and was held responsible for the exe- 
cution of the market regulations. Some of these rules bear in- 
sertion here. In drawing them up, the trustees admitted they 
were modeled after the regulations of the St. Louis market 
houses, but how close the resemblance is, we are unable to say : 

"Each stall purchaser is bound to offer meat for sale 3 times a 
week, at least. 

No stall shall be used for any other purpose than for selling 
provisions. 

Each stallholder shall, within half an hour after the market 
time, sweep and clean his stall, if not, the ^Market master shall do 
it at the expense of the renter. 

The market hours shall be from daybreak until 12 o'clock. 

During market hours no meat shall be sold by pound without 
the market house, but it shall be permitted to sell meat at quarter. 

Any person who will bring meat from sick or starved animals 
to the market, sell or offer for sale, shall be fined no less than $25.00 
and no more than $100.00. 

Butter, eggs, poultry, vegetables, etc., are not permitted to be 
offered for sale during the market hours at any place in town, with- 
out the market place. All persons acting against said ordinance, 
shall pay a fine of no less than one and no more than five dollars. 

It is not permitted to sell sausages, hashed meat, ham, bacon, 
salt and dried meat during the market hours at any place in tlie 
town without the stalls in the market house, by pounds, but it shall 
not be forbidden to sell by wholesale without the stalls at the market 
place. All persons disregarding this ordinance shall be fined for 
$3.00. 

No person is allowed to buy more provisions than necessary for 
-his family use at the market, with the purpose of selling again. 

All persons buying provisions with the purpose of selling again 
shall be considered as hucksters, and shall be obliged to rent a place 
from the ^Market master, for which the sum of $2.00 for 6 months 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 157 

shall be paid, payable in advance, for having the privilege to sell at 
the market place. 

All self-produced articles, suitable for a provision market, can 
be sold during the market time at the market place without paying 
any particular tax. 

Unwholesome or rotten articles, carried to the market, shall 
be confiscated and destroyed by the Market master, and the guilty 
shall be fined for not less than one and not more than $25.(X). 

The Market master shall be authorized to drive away from the 
market every drunken person or disturber, and if in such a case 
obedience is refused to him, the guilty shall be fined for not less 
than one and not more than five dollars. 

It is forbidden to sell liquor at the market place during the 
market hours." 

Such were the regulations governing the Hermann Market. 
Long ago they have become void. But the old building still 
stands — a monument of a period of Hermann's history. The 
lower floor is now practically unused. In the upper room the 
Town Fathers, until 1906, deliberated for the good of the town, 
and various town organizations and clubs convened here. Now 
their meetings are held at the elegant new city hall. 

5. Religion, Social Life and Literary Activity. 

It can hardly be asserted that Hermann is predominently re- 
ligious in its inclinations. Many of the early settlers were 
"Freisinnige," and their views have been transmitted to the 
present generation. While there is no open opposition to things 
religious, yet a manifest indifference to the tenets of any church 
prevails. It must not be inferred from this, however, that the 
moral tone of the town is below^ the average. On the contrary, 
it compares quite favorably with the average Missouri town. 

There are many things that would shock the newcomer, 
unacquainted with the customs that have prevailed, and some that 
still prevail among the people at Hermann. Among these was 
the custom by which all the places of business were open until 
noon on Sundays. The country folk came to town to purchase, 
as well as to pray. Such had been the custom since Hermann's 
pioneer days. And all this notwithstanding the Sunday Closing 



158 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Law on the statute books of the State. They saw no wrong in 
this practice. They held that Sunday was made for them, and 
not they for the day. No wonder they regarded it as an infringe- 
ment on their rights when Governor Folk proceeded to enforce 
the laws of the State relating to Sunday closing. But, to the 
credit of the good people be it said, they respected the law when it 
was brought to their attention. Governor Folk himself paid the 
Germans a fine compliment in his address before the Alumni of 
the University of Missouri, on June 7, 1905, when he said: "They 
are the most law-abiding and law-respecting people in the world. 
When they find the enforcement of Sunday closing means simply 
upholding the majesty of the law, and not the whim of the execu- 
tive, I believe they will support it. They may not agree with me 
as to the wisdom of the law; but so long as it is the law, the 
expression of the sovereign will of the people of Missouri, they 
will uphold its enforcement until it is repealed." 

The people of Hermann believe in a joyful Sabbath. It is 
their fete day. Public opinion outside of their community deters 
them not a whit. The "Maifest" of the public school, when young 
and old wander to the pretty park, always falls on Sunday. The 
gala-day of the Gasconade County Fair is Sunday. Lodges and 
societies hold their festivities and dances on Sunday. The 
"Schiitzenfest" and baseball games fall on this day. Every sum- 
mer from six to eight Sunday railroad and boat excursions bring 
throngs of pleasure seekers from St. Louis and other places to 
"Little Germany." Most of the visitors are Germans who wish 
to spend a typically German Sunday. Music and song and 
wine lend their share towards a pleasant day, whose evening 
comes only too soon. 

The three religious denominations represented are the Cath- 
olic, the Evangelical and the Methodist, which range numerically 
in the order here given. All of them draw their following from 
the town, as well as the surrounding country. Each of them owns 
its own house of worship, a parsonage, and, in the case of the 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 159 

Catholic, a spacious school building, in which Sisters instruct the 
youth of the parish. The architecture is that so commonly found 
in German churches of this country — a long rectangular structure, 
with a tall, slender spire with bell or bells directly in front of 
it. The ritualistic and all the other ministerial work of the Evan- 
gelical and Catholic Churches is conducted exclusively in the 
German language. The Methodist Church, in order to accom- 
modate certain non-German residents, employs both the English 
and the German languages in its services. 

While educational matters had received earnest considera- 
tion from the very first, religious affairs remained long in the 
background. Indeed, no mention whatsoever appears on the 
records regarding religion until the spring of 1841, when the 
trustees resolved : "That the request of the trustees of the Gen- 
eral German Church to be allowed to hold their meetings in the 
school house be granted." Just what the nature of the teachings 
of this church was, is not known. Most probably, it was quite lib- 
eral, in conformity with the views of many of the settlers. 

The Town Fathers were far less liberal towards the churclies 
than they had been to other institutions. They, who had more 
land than they could well manage, felt unable to promote the 
growth of churches. So they voted : "That the town is willing 
to sell to the General German Church lots Nos. 5 and 6 at a price 
of $112.50 each, on ten years' credit, with 6 per cent, yearly in- 
terest; but that no donation of lots in favor the Church can be 
granted." These terms were, indeed, less advantageous than 
those which were offered to the vintagers. Later their former 
resolution w'as emphasized by the decree : "That all further peti- 
tion for donations of lots by religious denominations be dismissed 
without deliberation by the trustees." On October 20th, 1841, all 
religious denominations were precluded from the use of the 
school house for religious services. A year later, however, it 
became plain to the trustees that such an antagonistic attitude 
towards the church must react on themselves, and prove detri- 



i6o The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

mental to the growth of the town. They therefore hastened to 
make amends for their narrowness and rectify the impression 
that Hermann w^as altogether worldly. They revoked the action 
taken, and saw to it that this revocation should become public. 
"That the school house of this town shall be open to all religious 
persuasions for the purpose of holding their congregations there- 
in, and that this ordinance be published in the Anseiger des 
Westens at St. Louis and in the Alte iind Neue Welt in Philadel- 
phia." 

The General German Church, with its liberal interpretation 
of the rules of conduct, did not prosper long. After a few years 
of unsuccessful existence it disappeared. The text which its min- 
ister (whose name w-e are unable to learn) used at the last meet- 
ing was : 'Tst das Werk aus Gott, so wards bestehen, ist es nicht 
aus Gott, so wirds untergehen." 

Simultaneously w^ith this General Church, the Evangelical 
and Roman Catholic Churches took their rise. The trustees acted 
more liberally towards these bodies than w^as generally expected. 
The terms of purchase of land were generous, and permission 
was willingly granted to cut the necessary timber from the re- 
serve lands of the town. 

The Evangelical Church was not established imder the 
auspices of the Evangelical Synod, but simply by Evangelical 
Protestants. During the first years it was ministered to by 
pastors unattached to any of the great church bodies. In 185 1 it 
was for the first time provided with an adherent to the Evangel- 
ical Synod. But the body was still known as "Freie Gemeinde," 
and remained so, even until 1902, when it chose to come into 
the corporate religious body known as the "Deutsche Evangel- 
ische Synode von Nord Amerika," even though disciples of this 
body had administered to its spiritual needs for half a century. 
This unwavering adherence to existing conditions, this hesitancy 
to accept new things, though they be well tried, is a characteristic 
of Hermann. We have seen it in its municipal government, in 




EDUARD MLHL. — 1800-1854. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. i6i 

its educational system, and, in the case of this one organization, 
in its religion. 

The Hermannites have ever been a pleasure-loving people. 
We pointed out in the beginning of this work that the Germans 
desired to unite the advantages of America and the pleasures of 
Germany in the colony. To this principle they have ever adhered. 
The opposition to the interpretation of Americans of what is 
meant by keeping the Sabbath holy has ever now and again found 
expression. Never, perhaps, more sarcastically than in the sec- 
ond edition of the Licht-Freund, published by Miihl (of whom 
more later), on August 30, 1843. The editor had just discussed 
certain phases of social life at Cincinnati, his former home, and 
then continued to depict scenes of a Sunday at Hermann in the 
early days : 

„Wenn der Sabbathsmissionar an uns in Hermann, eine ahn- 
liche Anfrage wie an die Doctoren in Cincinnati hatte ergehen las- 
sen, so wiirden wir ihm die ganz einfache Antwort, ohne alle Doc- 
torweisheit freilich, gegeben haben : Herr Sabbathsmissionar, wir 
meinen allerdings auch, dass Mensch und Thier nicht zur Qualerei 
da sind, desshalb eine der Natur angemessene Ruhe und Erholung 
haben miissen ; auch halten wir unsern Sonntag allhier, aber nun 
freilich nicht nach englischer, sondern deutscher Weise, d. h. wir 
bringen ihn nicht grade ausschliesslich in der Kirche und dem 
Wiegestuhl zu, sondern so, wie wir es unserm Geiste und Korper 
angemessen halten ; deshalb horen wir wohl auch einen religiosen 
Vortrag an, oder lesen in einem Buche, das uns zusagt; dann aber 
gehen wir wohl auf die Jagd oder fischen, plaudern so recht gemiith- 
lich in Gesellschaft, und alle vier Wochen gehen wir einmal Sonntags 
Abends, in unser kleines Theater, wie z. B. letzten Sonntag, wo 
„Hedwig" von Korner aufgefiihrt und am Schlusse ein Tanzchen, 
in Anstand und Ehre, gehalten wurde. Uebrigens lassen wir einen 
Jeden seinen Tag feiern, wie er will, und wie seine religiose Ansicht 
immer sein mag, ist er Jude, Muhamedaner, Heide u. s. w., denn 
sehen Sie, Herr Missionair, das nennen wir religiose Duldsamkeit, 
gegen die ganze Welt, der wir keineswegs in irgend einer Art in 
religioser Beziehung Vorschriften geben wollen. Das ist nun so 
unsere einfaltige Meinung, drum kommen Sie lieber nicht nach Her- 
mann, um den Sonntag hier zu verleben, denn Sie wiirden sich am 
Ende argern, well Sie nichts als heitere Sonntagsgesichter sehen. 



i62 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

v.nd keine langen, trauerklothigen, englischen Kirchenphysiogno- 
mien, die Sie, gestehen Sie es einmal recht ehrlich, gewiss zu Ihrer 
Sabbathfeier nothwendig halten." 

Such statements furnish us with the clearest pictures of 
things at old Hermann, and give us the only rational basis for ac- 
counting for the peculiar views now held. 

In the autumn of 1847, there was organized at Hermann a 
society which was appropriately called "Erholung." It was the 
direct outgrowth of a "Theaterverein" which dates its beginning 
to the very early days of the colony, and to which Miihl referred 
in the quotation above given. Under the auspices of the "Erho- 
lung" every diversion was permitted that tended towards the 
amelioration, the enlivenment and cheer of its members, after the 
burdens of the week had been borne. On Washington's Birthday 
of 1848, this society presented its first drama. Curiously enough, 
it was Kotzebue's Armuth iind Edelstein. Indeed, quite a fond- 
ness was shown for this author's plays. This, on the sur- 
face, does not argue well for the standards of this "Leibhaberthe- 
ater." Still, it must be remembered that Kotzebue was once a 
very popular playwright, even in Germany. More pretentious ef- 
forts were made as the society grew older. On August 9, 1852, 
tlie Hermanner Wochenhlatt announced the presentation of 
Schiller's Die Rdnher. The society owned its own meeting 
place, and had it well furnished. Most of the citizens of Her- 
mann were active members of the organization. For fourteen 
years it was the centre of social activity. During the disturbances 
of the Civil War the meetings were interrupted. When order 
was again restored, it appears that the interest and enthusiasm 
for the cause had waned. Despite the strenuous efforts to arouse 
the members again, this society ceased to exist in the year 1866. 

The interest for dramatic performances is still alive, although 
a regular "Theaterverein" no longer exists. Every now and 
then a play is presented, and that quite creditably. 

From the very beginning Hermann has had musical organi- 



Muhi. frcunh. 



(1 klor. 6, 21. 



^tU)< 7<<ligl«n Irt) tttinnt ? ^cinc ton alien. Mc Su ulr mnit|l.— UnC 
Daruui tcint i Sua Oiclisicn. [@d)iUtc. 

Jjeiiitifijcgcbf 11 yoii 6. 5JJBl)t unb ©trc&lij. 



S« eiitt umiiirfa..jl.*« Siiuo, re,i« atci e»w M 
tin»climuicr riinc 3iil. 



SalirflJTua 4. 



JBKrmann, ^o.. JiHitttoorft, august, 23. 1848. 



i3.o. 1. 



B-)"? ( M II H III! jtn.— Hicfce >:Krntt 
•Bcrau^btialiluiia Unlcrl<*itcl'.T anml)ii 



tCillciiit mm 
en, mniticnn 



;n.-.i|.<t jmciwl iint. tolled !DnUar (jlitlii*. £'l)nt CBor.iasbcj.ljl.ind i»ir> fein Sfalt .luejefltten .amntM. *Mt ct 
n-lr (.It MeiSrjaDIuni, «„ranrn,.rrll>d,. aife Sriefe ..nb a3ll.rlK,rn„a'n, (, m, (B,IMi»^ut,Beu mu|Te« , o |" f t , i. i.aeL, 



; iredfclM, |il\^ ett'iidlt, |lct) rer a-jenlfdijft ju uriltrjitljcii 



t'cim SSeginne be^eicrten 
3 a r 3 n n 9 e e<. 

Jrbcm icO bic Ufi'r bc» !D()io iH'v(ic(; itm mid) 
on bcui'ii ffj ^SiiTonii aiijiificbclii, luciin: Unigi'= 
l>iiiy iiS'r fi) ciiii- giiiij tiiMic ijcivovbi'ii i|t, nimi fi° 
(ingcnicflcii crfi()e'iiicn, bof; iri; in bitfom 2?(iitti', 
niit bcr.i ic(; brn I'icvtfii 2ii()Vivinii t'cginni-/ ciiii: 
ge SSovrc an mcinc boutfcfcen ©cnoiTi'ii nfl;tf, niit 
benfii \i\), fif frciinblirl; bcgvi'ipcnb, liifr in iliv 
?5!ittc ticto, jiigtcid; bittcnb, mid) mil ebcn bcm 
■Scni'.iiicn lUifjimi'lmien, av(d)i'o mid; nntcv fie 
ffilnto. 

2Bii' (inb, mciiio(5)cno|lfn,bii' Amber cincrgic-- 
ficn imb gcnvltigcn_3cit, bic iviv cilcbten im altcn 
.i;eiitiiUl)limbc jenfeito bf3 ?}rccrc'?. 3'ene jtnm- 
Vfe iiK'v, ivclrf)o nnv bort fulicn n. <in bcncn it>if 
flitc melir obev iwnigof 'Jhoil nulmieii, iHitten il)= 
ren Pjrnnb iii;b ilne Uif.id)c in liMiorcr SMlbiing, 
JU UYldier bic O-eiVKi'd)!!-!' fortgi'|Vl;ritri-n UMven, 
bie fo jn liolu'ivm SeU'fifcuniptfciii gel.uigt, i!)iy 
9u'ri;te unb ■^*f^id;tcn efivogen, linb ihre 9}!&iii 
bigfeit ini'J|Vi'iid;i'n, mm nbev iiiid; lu'vlaiigten, 
b.if; mm fie M-} eiiiei' ^iHnimmbfd'^ift IiiiTe, ivel-- 
(l)e ivoW fm- eiii C'ofdjlr.ht bev JUntl;elt gcMiigt 
finem ;m- 'Si.mnKulVit iitcr IieiMiigi'veiften enteh.- 
'vonb evfd)ciiu'w mii|lto. ClfS abevebcu sevanUif!= 
tf bic i>ielfiid)en9.Vn.H'gn:ig(n, iveld)ei\Mf cvlebten, 
tii'j 'JKie tv.u nit bcm Okiien in .ftomv'f, mib ein 
neitev 3''i"'i»m i" ber ■I'tlfeigefihuiite l),me l'e= 
geniien. faJ Cube biefeJ Jl,iini.'fei\ n'otd^e 
nod; furiu'.ilnT, U'ollren iviv nid)t miMvren, n>eil 
«'i^ nid)t in nnfvei' ileK'nC'.diei- fallen mollte, uno 
loir jo^en in bie? i^aub, u'eldjeS mi'.n bas bor 
^vedieit nrnnt, U'i> ^ebem 3umm I'viionnt ivab, 
fid) . n,id) feiiier UeK'rjen.ijiing ;n tenH-gen ii:ib 
>iii6;uleben. 

iiejiehr fid) b.v? jrl:t Gvu'iidnte nun iHn;ii;;Iid) 
<iuf b,U','se!> be;- VH'IitifvI)en Vet'en-:^, fo miipert U'lr 
bie iH'ineihnig hinsiifiigen : bii|l iiud) lUif beiii 
(^Jrbiete bev Sidi.i'ien gvDjw Sieivegiingen fid;tl'iiv 
iviivbiM, imb .ftiinivfe I'nrft.iiiben, i»>eld;e riiie 
neiie ?eit 'jevfiinbigten. Senn uviin bio an ^i\-- 
bung fi'vt;.v.'fd)vit;fnfn imb fid) fveier fCil)lenben 
O'eifier bie ^^olitifd)- t\<i;m,uif ;h teleud)ten iiMg- 
leii, niib fid) von feiiiem ii?,td;mH'ite bee 'iivifior 
<wtrc III liner Umerfud)iing imb iViifiing fioveii 
lif|}en,fo eij'dpien C'? mn ii.iii; coiifeguenl im^ iwj 



tiirlirf;, b-i)l man and; anf bao®ebiet bcr iReligion 
iinb Miiflje Itiiiiibertrar, imb eten and; biijTelK' 
SKed)t bor >))iiifimg imb/'sorfd)ung geltcnb nuul)te, 
loeiin man bcii>Bolfcrn eine I^ogmatit beu religib= 
fen Wlaiibe^i'? i\li iiminifioplid; unt iin'.oanDcU'ar 
Iiingefiellt halte. pn biefer 'Prufung auf rcligib= 
fem (^ebictc gab OiMjugliri; bie Reformation iti 
I6ten 3'i'irbnnbcrtSi in £ieHtfd)lanb i'e ranla|5ung 
■j?enn nad;bcm bie.<>ierard)ie berviMnifd;en Aird)c 
bis JU ber nngiaiiblid)en 5UrJfd)nyifung getommen 
null", ba|5 fie bic ©cwijjcn nid)t luir fid; ganj jn 
(iclatjcn gcmad;t, unb fclbtl ben unt)erfd;amtffteii 
imb tiid;lofeficii Jjanbct mit ben Siiiiben bcr 
il'Jclt gctricbcii batte, bic fie fiir t^elb fid) abtaii-- 
fen licp, mil eo uon ber <))ricftei'= imb '))faffemocll 
111 ^sJolliiftcn aller 'ilvt ocrgeiibcn jn lageii, fo uwr 
bod; biefe Siinbcjii Ibierifd; nnb tcuflifd;rafflnlit, 
ak' bap fie nid)t battc foUen bei ben benfenbcn 
Seitgenopcii Univilten unb (!"ntru|lung crrcgen. 
Sie Siefoiinalion ging t>pn bem Cyrimbfalje ber 
l^riifimg wii goifd)img anf bem (iicbiete bev 9te= 
ligion an*, woraiif bic flieformaioien ganj natui= 
id)gel.'itet ivevben mujiteii, uui eiiicn fid;crnJ)aIt 
jn geniinnen, unb 9iom voiirbe aiir(; jeljt in tird;; 
lid;er 'iVjicdnng in feineii Wriinbfeficn erfd;iittcrl 
nnb iiebclmuitbigt, umc biec- fviilicr Ibm fd;on in 
^-olitifd)cr.organgeii loar. 

,i?cr ©rnnbfal) beu iHefovmation^jeitalteif', fiani; 
[id; ber spriifimg nnb Sorfd;img anf rbligiijfem (sc= 
biele, iniibe l>o;; ba cine neuc 3eilibce, bie fid) in 
bivS Seben einbrangtc unb fid; mit -Mad)t fiubre 
geltcnb ,;n niad)en. I^iffc jbee, banuik' Iiinge.- 
loorfcn gleid)fam niir, unb befd;riiiifi aiifgefaf;! 
','on beu 3iefonuatoien, ift im ^lerlauf uon brei 
ri.ibvhimberten weitcr ii. fieier aufgefaf;! unnbeii, 
fie ii.it fid; bolier niic-iii-lidbet, ivollen ivir f.igeii. 
rie^efoiiiMtoien luimlid; ii.dni'.en bied)iifilid;cn 
v2d;rif(en bev alien luib nouen iejUinieiiteC' alJ 
ben einjigen (yl.uibensgrnnb an, unb ovV"i'i'r>'" 
fo ber romifiI)en .iurd;e, mcld;e fid; anf ii.ibicio; 
lien bfrief, burd) UH'ld;e fie allcrbiiiijo in fo 'jiflcii 
t'lngcn, bem 'Jlu5fi)riid;e bee vstificro bev d;iifili. 
d;eii illellgion unb feiuen 5imgfi'" fnaif-.' em;]e= 
gentrat. ilber bac- tobte 'Jl'ovt in ber i^ibel blieb 
bed) nod) ibr leireiibenitcrn iiii.ul)tu bci' (iiUui- 
{mi, unb bieo beiveili bic i'oijmatit ober bic 
WIaiibcnc<lclirc, ivcld;i- ten nod) in bev vroteftantu- 
fdicn jtnfl)e anti'cffen, UH'ld;c abcr ber (icfunben 
"i*cv'.m!ifl oft ebfii fo |i»ibi'iTl'J'id/f» ill' bic bcr vo; 



mifdien .Siid;e, unb bew Unfmnc;? unb -ffiiberfyrn. 
d)^^ fo iMcI enthalt, fa|} man fid) nid)r enxyljrfn 
fann, eiri ticfci Xiebaucru aiic-jiiiVredicn. 

Sebod) aud) biefe S'cgmatif muilte fid) l^(^cfre.- 
ben, nad)bent man burd; .OiMfe ber a'Ji(reiifd;nf= 
ten, UH'ld)c nicbt mebr bie ?};agb ber .Vlircl)c, inc 
friibcr, iriiren, fonbcrn fid; frei ciufalten unb be« 
mcgen fonnten, «uf gan; ai.rcre >3liifid)ten geleitet 
ivurbc, alS bie miveu, iwldw man bisbcr mit bvti 
aOovten nnb51n?iVrud;enin bi;nfbri|llid)en^d;vift 
ten Berbunbeii battc. iilud) gclang man yi brr- 
Ueberjciigung, ,. baf; jciie ieli;)u-fcii ^d;nfr^leller, 
gleid; anbern Wenfdjen, bi'n liinfliiifcn ibivr ^eit 
unb ibrrj -Solfe? imtenvovfcn ivaren, nnb fomir 
MKi) fo mnndien ^l^ovurtbeilen, uvld)c bieiiilbnnii 
jenfr3eit be;cidmrten. v2o-Bicleci #bev, u\m. iinS 
ak^ 'JOunbfr awi jener 3cit erialilt u'irb, wrmb-- 
gen u>ir ali ganj natiirlifbe G;rfd;einung jeljt bar: 
iiilegen. 280 (ibev bic? mi nid)t moglid; \H, 
glauben ivir bod) allciS I'llvnuui'irliib iyimberfoUe 
leiiijncn jii nii'ijTcn, uvil nnei ein aMid" in bie gvo: 
|5c JOan'?orbiiiinii ber :JSclt Icbrt, ba|5 eme origc 
~2l'eifbeit, ivcldjc waltct imbregicrt, nad; fnbftctu 
gleid)bleiticiibeu ©cfeljcn, bie fie in bie Orbnnng 
ber Singe legte, uerfahrt, unb em -ilJunber }iu 
gleid) ein 'Jliiflieben biefSpr Crbmins fem ivutbe, 
umS bcr aScic-bfit be* v2d;bv'fcra wlberfiMwben 
iniii'ite, UH'il fie babiird; 511 eriennen geben nn'irbe, 
fie babe t.n\\vi UnvolltommneS getbaii, bannit 
mupte fie bie V'iidc bnr b ein 'Biinbcr aiic-fiiUcn. 
3 oil ifb abcr ben leitcnbcn Oiiimbi'ilj biiauL'jtcU 
Icn, luid) bcm man fid) bei bcm -,'lniichnien "ber 
4<envevfcn bee* religibfen fylanbenS rid)tctc, fc- 
ift c? ber : „?.'!an fann nnr bns glaiilvn, umi* 
tiiii'bauo ben .'Infovbcrimgcn bcr in-rminft cnt: 
iViiebt unb ben bocbfien ?iveef bev Sielhjion fbrbcrt, 
iiiimlid) ?.1ioraIitat, b. b. >2ittlid)(cit, u\'ld)e fui; 
in uiiferm Sebeu burd; "iliorf nnb iiiatabbn'idcii, 
iVicMcln unif;. '•J'.'as abcr ticfcn •Jlnfcttcrun.jcii 
nid)t entfviidjt, taiui iiidit cacbe vclii)io|Va tfUni,- 
bciu'' fciii, foiipcrn ift ;u ocnverfcn. ,?ich'iiimcii 
nbev, u\'ld)e fid) ih'ii feldicnt biev angefiibiicu 
Givnnbfalj leitcii unb bcriimmcn lalTen, bai man 
mit ciiicin an;' bev latcuiifd)cii cvnavbe iib^deiic- 
tcii 'Korte, Sialionalifien iCcr "yevmiiifiijlaubige 
gcnannt. 

?.^iit rt'ciibcn iiimim nun bev ■J.H'rmmft>ilanbi..ie 
in bCT djnfiliiben V'cbic ba-J an, ii\f.- ben '.'iiifovf 
bcrniffcn bcr^i'cinimft cniffMidji, nnb bcicnnt nn- 



THE FIRST PAGE PRINTED AT HERMANN. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 163 

zations, that have contributed to the enjoyment and edification of 
its inhabitants. In the letter previously quoted from the Alfe und 
Neue Welt for June 15, 1839, we saw that Hermann, even then, 
had a "Musik-Chor mit Blech Instrumenten." In 1844 a musical 
organization existed, which has, under one name or another, per- 
petuated itself until this very day. Proof of the existence of such 
a body is found in the minutes of the trustees of the town, who, on 
March nth, 1844, voted "That the society for vocal music, exist- 
ing and known by the name of 'Hermann Mannerchor,' be allowed 
to have the use of the school house for their vocal exercises." At 
present such an organization of thirty members exists under the 
name of "Harmonic." To our question as to whether the club 
still continued its work, Mr. Glatte, the director, wrote : "Jawohl 
und erst am 10. d. M. (March, 1906) hat der Verein ein recht 
schones Konzert gegeben." At different times we have heard 
some delightful orchestra concerts at Hermann. It is, of course, 
impossible to hold an orchestra together the year around in such 
a small place. Mr, Glatte says concerning it : 

„Ein Orchester trommle ich gewohnlich zusammen fiir unser 
jahrliches Harmonie-Konzert. Wir beginnen unsere regelmassigen 
Uebungen ein paar Monate vor dem Konzert, und das Konzert selbst 
markirt den Tag der Auflosung der Vereinigung. „Der Mohr hat 
seine Arbeit gethan, der Mohr kann gehen." 

A brass band, passing under the pious name of "Apostel 
Band," contributes to the enjoyment of all public gatherings at 
the park. 

Some twenty-five years ago, a Turnverein was organized at 
Hermann, and for some time flourished. To our question as to 
its present condition and activity, Mr. Glatte writes, in the letter 
above referred to : 

,,Finanziel in vorziiglicher Verfassung, aber schon seit ca. 
einem Jahre suspendirt. Es ist nicht moglich gewesen geniigend 
Leute dafur zu interessieren und regelrechte Turnabende abzu- 
halten." 



164 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Of fraternal org-anizations, Hermann has three, viz. : the 
"Masonic," the "Independent Order of Odd Fellows" and the 
"Knights of Pythias." Of these, the lodge of Odd Fellows needs 
special mention, in that all their ritualistic work is conducted in 
German. There are ten other such lodges in Missouri working 
in German — seven in St. Louis, one in St. Joseph, one in Kansas 
City, and one in Lexington. The lodge at Hermann is named 
Robert Blum Lodge, No. 46. It was organized on April 27th, 
1850, and named after the German patriot, Robert Blum, who 
was executed November 9th. 1848. It goes almost without saying 
that the founders of this lodge belonged to that renowned class 
of immigrants known as the Forty-eighters, or, at least, were 
ardent sympathizers with the radical movement that sought to 
liberate and unify the Fatherland. To commemorate the events 
of those years, they erected the martyr Blum a monument in the 
name of their lodge.* 

In the days of the independent thinker and fearless opponent 
to every form of slavery — Eduard Mijhl — many of the wide- 
awake residents of Hermann were united into a unique society, 
known as "Der Verein Freier Manner." As we learn from the 
Hermanner W ochenblatt of April 9, 1852,* this body had then 
just been organized. W^ read there : "Am vergangenen Sonntag, 
als am 4ten, fand die Eroffnung des Vereines 'Freier Manner' 
allhier statt." Miihl delivered an address at the opening. This 
address was introduced and interspersed with original poetic 
snatches, as was Miihl's pleasure when he addressed a body of 
men. We insert here some of these verses. They breathe the 
purpose of the organization : 



* For the information regarding the Lodge of I. O. O. F., we are 
indebted to Mr. L. E. Robyn, of Hermann, who communicated with the 
Grand Lodge of St. Louis for us. 

* For volumes of valuable newspapers edited by Mr. Muhl, I am in- 
debted to his kindhearted widow, still living in Hermann. 



And its Colony, Hernwnn, Missouri. 165 

Gesang bei Eroffnuiif^ des \'ereins Freier Manner, dem Verein 
gt'widmet von E. Miihl. 

(Mel.: Freiheit, die ich meine.) 

Reicht die Hand zum Bunde, 
Freie Manner euch, 
Ernst ist diese Stunde, 
An Bedeutung reich : 
Denn es gilt das Ringen 
Nach Freiheit und Licht, 
Muting durchzudringen, 
Dass der Tag anbricht. 

Ja wir sind die Kinder 
Einer neuen Zeit, 
Weih'n uns als Verkiinder, 
(Und das ungescheut) 
Eines freiern Lebens, 
Frei von Glaubenswahn, 
Eines hohern Strebens 
Auf der Menschheit Bahn. 

Nicht was Priester lehrten 
Gilt uns Gottes Wort, 
Die die Welt bethorten, 
Uebten Geistesmord : 
Wenn sie blinden Glauben, 
Der Vernunft zum Hohn, 
Forderten, und rauben 
So Selbstdenkens Lohn. 

Was einst Weise dachten, 
Dankbar sei's erkannt, 
Wenn an's Licht sie brachten, 
Was noch unbekannt ; 
Doch nicht sklavisch binden 
Moge uns ihr Wort, 
Wir selbst miissen fin den 
Priifend fort und fort. 

So nur sind wir Freie, 
Kinder der Vernunft, 
Unserm Glauben Weihe 
Giebt nicht Priesterzunft ; 



i66 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Unser hochstes Streben 
1st nur Sittlichkeit, 
Das ist gottlich Leben, 
Wahre Frommigkeit. 

Ja lasst Hass uns schvvoren 
Jeder Tyrannei, 
Jedem Unrecht wehren 
Ohne Menschenscheu. 
So, zum heil'gen Bunde, 
Reicht die Hande euch ; 
Drum ist ernst die Stunde 
An Bedeutung reich."* 



The editor of the paper says : „Die Versammlung stimmte 
obiges Lied an, mit Unterstiitzung eines Mannerchor, unter Leitung 
des Herrn Kerch." 

In opening his address Miihl spoke the following verses : 

„Vorwarts ! ruft's, wie Klang der Glocken, 

In der Feme liegt das Ziel. 

Lasst euch nicht abseite locken, 

In dem wirren Weltgewijhl : 

Blickt in eurem Lebenslauf, 

Nach den Sternen kiihn hinauf ! 

Alles ringt, sich zu vollenden, 
In der Freiheit Sonnenschein, 
Mogt ihr eure Blicke wenden, 
Selbst auf's kleinste Graselein. 
Drum ringe Mensch auch du 
Hoherer Vollendung zu. 

Wage nur in deinem Streben 
Stets ein freier Mann zu sein, 
Driicke tief in deinem Leben 
Du der Freiheit Bild hinein. 
Jeder hohere Gewinn 
Stammt aus wahrem Freiheitssinn. 



*This poem and the following is taken from Miihl's Hermanner Woch- 
enblatt, of April 9, 1852. 



galjrgana 51 germann. gCTo.. ^ccttao, ben 4, ganuar 1907. 



ilummcv 10 



£in ill,,-, 




C*e!iebic, roenn Ju Oiei 


,Seilen liei 


7ann fifie i(t)^m buntcn 


OCimatt)dc}a 


«u( un(rer »ant toie ic 


en Xaci 


3u (ileitber SlunOc, un 


bei lyiud 


,iU ID 


aiten 


Tie ipotf Sonne leudiie 


<DU fUDOr 


llnti iptegeli ficb an Qru 


icK Sietrn 



c fliaontiicticr 



"ifettoirtddjung ' beil 






ohr 



CSinfltueilfri touienttirt SodIcdcK 
(nil ("^diet QUI oflrtimon « nrofe;* 
iGiienbohn Unternclimcn Cefttgrcr 
beiTyruda I "'^' "biiflen^ in ;Hefl.«ur.a«t«.ien 
ail btt onertonnte '^*ertreler Oct 
3tanbarb Oil • liie <3ii: I'liebi nadi 
nid)i4 ©etinijciem, oU ber ipfhtrr 
(diunfl QderiBohiitrQnaBtirtnlion^mii 

(54 broiiflt ficb (omil bic ^Irofle out. 
^•^^ Ob leetcrc utiterbie Solmahiqrcit bft 



Unb inberricinen CaulK n 
ilali )d)cu fag id) nadi >I)i' i 

^'u tahen bon htim etdcn 'i 
linO iret beginnl bie Xtoubi: 



mn jiiht Bein mifbe*. braunt 
1 ruMrn Mfli-ten. ^eig' eetin|ud)ij 



nil. I 



r Seflie 



nbirii er oovciicbt. da^ er 
inc aBaave Dcrtautt 'Hui bte bat 
■9 ^erDoiiieticnben ;^d1«cii inodtten 
r qani beiDnbetiautintcliammod] 
-"tur reirtc ajoorf roirb nunmebr 
1 bebemtnb t\i>i\tver ^JJrei^ atjotb^ 
'. iweiben mjiffcn. aU tur Dcr|olfd]t€ 
cr mit anberen £ubflan;tcn ofi- 
tdjte SBaarf gefotber 
t Toaie betjcnige. be 
bfreu -Ureilc* bie rei 
mafit, benn unteinc Si'aacf ifl r 
(ircit bet "'f'f'" 'l^>nte (u theuet beioblt. Ui 
tmen)D[.|"l'a"P' i"'rb baft tW-ieb .ei.iichenldi 
nicttt ee bohin roirfen. bafi ba« '^Jiibliti 



mentlirti ber Oflen 

ititet ber ^eimitidiunq idiroer 

>en ■ilui Ihotri m iijn't -IJ; 

inb n't ajdntmiiiit 

.':■> Olrab SelfitiA unler ViuUi 

jnb ift icrieriiSeflen'jfiiibQ 
"lefirere IWenidienleben bem gi 
0" I flcn ffroft ^um Opiet qefaScn 
1bi)r-iObet(autebe. grofeen 

^ ^■^^iaseidiicr obtr eibc 



len obct fie 



I «ei ber =taiion lerro aollo natjc 
|bn SunbtJliQiiptflQbt aaotbington 
I »ul)r am Zonnxan toohtcnb be» !j?f bel* 
em ;itnd|lM<9 ber '-Soltiinote & 01)10 
Sahn «n etnen ilofal ?ioiiti| 



roObnt roirb' nidjr I 
•Crei*. ionbecn audi tfni bie *e(d)a, 
entjett ber ffliaare ju Qd|ten Tier Ac- 
ttug i)f bi*long Oaburdj neriibt 
en. bafe man idilcdjte SJaare ju i 
unDertjaltniimofeig tl)euren ■, 
Derfoud l)flt ffienn ©elee 
^lepteln bergefieCt, iogen n 



ifirin. 



Tin sAneeflu 


em in ingljnb 


tf 


ne Jolj.n 


TfT nodi irr 


mer on ben ftufte 


roohl iDie ube 


bai gon^r l!anb 


trtenbe Sdince 


lurm t]0' 3""an 


tdiflffen. tuic 


lan lie te.l 3.') ^o 


■ n mtoBbrtton 


men mrtit erlebt 


> L^nglanO 


peued 'HI norb 



'OOOei i.'J IJerlonen geiobtet unl 
Mto DecleB rourbn 

&in),leuer roeldic* am ^iodn 
bei 3Beit)nad)t3tafled in Der "t^i 
SdiirtarocrUe bei ^Jieropon 'Jienji 



btr '^f"'* t"f »ani 

'i"iid]DonememSeI)nte 
[Qg, ncun ^etintel Ouott. 20 
,ea |lDurbc Ceeterefl geToufr 
Ha , Sunt tteni* faifliget roar. 



lUirriid) nidft ijint Genl3 TOtrtl) ro 

Pie p'ofpmldl Deulfdjlanbi 

Xie fautmannud)e ffleli bl.dt , 
eiiic fllanienbr iaeid)aft«jeit ;iun 
Tie re&len SBodien hoben emen 11 

laB gebtatfil. luie er Un ^o^rcn nidjt j Srrafjeii crlafien liiorben roore 
,!Li eegiflriten getoelen ■fflie m «ci- bat er bieie ^egunfttgung freilid 
fill, but man oudj anbertpart* im | mirft unb roirb (eincn iioQen X' 
Steidjc bie gleiiftcn gunfugen (Jrfoh | ab,*ufi6. n ^aben 
rungcn gemodjt Umlragen Oi 
ladiDerfldnbigei Seile angeflellt 



lanige 'Jiciullalr 






idieibung nbgegebcn 
li*e* @ebeil)en"Tj^utidilanb3 "loTfta , i"""' ^'"9"'*tel mecber 
nr. Unbefangene ft.mmen &ann '^^"*'«1''i -^"t' ham 
iiberein bo& bo« bemld)t SBoir ,^ ■'^''*C'^"'""3 bes 'Browed, 

teinem Seitniuni itinerfle)d)id)ilidien ' "" ' 

tfi.tten^ loinbtdiaitlidj fo proipcnit 



: rraditungen bet 'fllatut njiebei, 
1 aii^nabrndmeife ibrem geirohnbi 



unb I auSbtod). ridjtete einen Srtjaben poo 
I 2no,(J'.Hi an. IJin ,>eueMPef)rmann er 
(p. Iitl lpblid)c aSetlebungen unbbcr alu 
lou- Hamprer .Oeflerlon" pon ber ilomm 
ge I ipnvliinie. ber iid) irti Irprfenbod be= 
jrenlfanb tpurbe naheju ierfton 
hat I 5>erreid)IteajInnninbeniRet SlQO 
i].-n I ten ioO alio bodi mdtt^ ber Slanborb 
3hr.l multeo mchterc 'aal)nlinren i Oel iHodefeaei iein (onbern ber *og 
'brfn ■fletrielf finfiellen unb in Sdioti LtioUrbnig" ^nebnd) 2UeferljaiJiei, 
(fliti hai ber "flahnDertclii nahe.tu ' roeldiei >n 3t 'Baul, 3)tinn lebi, 
flO'H Quigebort ^n &er hugeligen | im ^\ai)tt \»'ii in ''Jhebertaulbeim, 
'"'^fSfnbjroiidien Tunbee nnb 6bin Sbeinliciien. fleboren .)l unbim ^aftce 
b:,"a Iicflt bei Sdjnee iteQentDeiie l.> i 'f^i' nad) amerua fam 'Bon ben 
AuB hod) 'IRebrtrt c^uge blieben j Seen 3Ui(l.on|m« bi4 )u ben fiuften 
iijiticn au' bet 'aahnftrede im Sdjnce | be8 ©iiQen 0,iean8 etftretfijid) fein 
fiedfn Oabei hcrrtt^i eme uberou* fleidi - in tunt^igiatingerrafitoiei, 
fr-tngc ftalir unb f6 rourben in ton [ .ftaai4riuger". rud|idlt4|pier unb 
^'M T ben leeien -J-l Stunben Tu-un ■ lfri.»fUoiei Vlrbeir bul er bir cnftlp 
•t-Montn frnoren autgefunben ' icn ;torflc Bro 'liorbiueflen unter leini 

?liid) ein idimerer Ungliirfitnll n't | ,{>errid!ofl gebrndjl Tieii-t fiiblui 
nj\ Ct-n iurdjtbaren Sdineetfudi' ,<u.i|o[I ic\)x iuriirfge.fogen le 

lurfiuiuhrf n ,tn bci 'Jla^e pun ^Jt- ' 

bn.Hl, ton.b.nen hcnu jipei .jjailo^ ! ^-^^ ^*""'>' ^■"^'^"''''=»"" i*'-*"' j flii*naf,m«it 

ai.umie rpole. ..^•UetforrenqetPbie. | m^feigem '] 

u"^ -'-i pcrleer iPurben ' ^.n nad, >Cani ,ur etlernung ber j «*"">f.('>tj. 

Xrr Stuim mmhft an 6ei fiufre ' 'rin^ofiidjen Spradjf bcurloubtei iieh I 'l^''" '°^' ^"r*™'-'H bie guniliaet 
■v,i unuetminberter Slarfe jptt unb j '" ■!"« «rc«!Bu Urnif boti eine por i ^^"'^'' '^" leoigen Soniunttnr her 
Ijai brreif* betradiltidien Sdiaben ""''" QUTtretfrtbt Jonif 'Jinmen« i "" >meni Permeiben iic 'Jltiipu 
unter ben Sdiirfen ongenditei aBe I ^'"'^ '■'"'"'» ^^ 'i^ornbeba tennen an \ '""9^" ""' *""* florft'flf Cieb bet 'Bo 
n.^tcni. em Tueenb ;ti(d)eiboDtc U^''''* O'l" 2"*'" f'n«* rtcatf n unb j ''"' ""^ "<" ^^"onipi 
Tc..iben mil -.Oian* unb 'Jflau^ voJ^^o^Suli o.t ^Kio Bclaneiro «olb ( U„,„ fc^n f,5„^en'bes tTi^Tnbefiai 
ben i^ogen Dcddilunflen bet japani I '""^ '"^ ^^"lobung (tan 1l\i bcr^ t.rr<i ^rmn-ht 

(die Tampfei ..aroa 'iI?oru- lief auf l^'^hrcr nad( «re»lau jurutltlfMir 
b>.- rrelien pen ;Reb aai unb bi« """ tolgie jeine 'Staur am jx Ct(p 
ll/jnnldiiifr murbe in 'JloDten pon ber'^f "OdmnC" niielheie lid] bier in et 
'■Ri-t(unii*ilaiion abgetioli bo bet !"'"• """Chmen 'Mention em ;vreun 
Tampt^t in Stucfc geldilngen murbc. ' ^* ^f* Cebrcr* regten ,Stoei((l nn berr 
,^n ber 'JMbf Don i>oIi) bcab [tranbe I ™f>blid]en tSharorter ber 'ilcoiil on. 
icrt luiri 5egcl)d|iftf unb em 3>amr= ""b ti erfulqle bet «rudi bc4 '5ei 
rei biTfn y^amt un6 'JJofionatnat I '"^"'"f* ''"^"' '"'"c Vln^eigt bci be 
nodj tiidii feflgeTleni rociben fonnten. t'o''** eon bem iletbadji be« *rau 
Iigomg. ^Jiun hot fidi bie ongeblidie 
IMrafin m Wegentoficf tine* Vlrue* 
rgiflel iBei Untcvjurfiiing be; 
dje I'tellte fic^ heroue, bofe bie Zo 
in 23.rtrid)(cil monnlidien l«e 
tdileditft TOQi iPuien unb inijter 
iroren unedil; bfi iiaarjdimud ipai 
em. 'JJetudt Tci ^obie ipurbe olv 
5tieiiobn e' -ed '.'luieij on* cinem 
iBerlini'T 'ilorort ngno^^irt Qx be 
1 3.. i^ftliren, 




5am Xbomelon 
ou3i ifouiftunb 
i^amjun tngginboi^am oon ,7eff(rlon 
l£itn toeldfe om I>onner«ta9au«bem 
.■tnditbauie oon ,>ffedon Hitt, 
Ipningen maren, rpurben am ;^reiiag 
'Jiac^mmag ,(u Sunbee, Srantlin Qo 
'Slo roieber eingetangen unb nac 
bem ©efdngnifte jurudflebcodit 

Ibompion batie nur nod) 14 lage 
abjuftsen gehabt, ba itjm m ^Tfolge 



I!ad^unbe«gerid)t ba 
m 9ieger in 



Shottanoogc 
8 eint tSnt 
X>tT y(egei 
1. ber bod)ft( 
itim bebufe 
;8 einen ffliif 
be[. 



JULIUS MOEBUS, Agent. 

Hermann, • - Ato. 



r^tui^feilen ai« niifiouci 
— 3n ber 53oflom« iu SRobecIqlSi 
el am Sonntaa bie 5i 3a^re olte | be 
eau bel Z:ortor« @ (Ibain« oon ci- Uc 
em ^erjidjlag beicoften tobi ju ©o- i iU? 



ber 1. 



feine Stai 



50 3al)te alle ::)d)iadjl(c ^--o ;^ranl 
tttaeboltdutf. 
-3n tioplar »luff, duller aounlti 



n Obhut be« 5tjeriff« 

lai'i.' ''''"' i)et HKob erjtpang iiJi ^u-l^'i'rbf am 3am*tag itiabrenb em( 

;,l,^, (ft'lifl AunH^emngnia un6 ^anyU Oen Strabenfampleft 3obn fflcfiaO do 

^^ ,'Jtefler fflie bo« ©endjl nui em. 301^ (Sbenauli erldjofien Dee IRoi 

,ij^ Jf 'iiebcn. hobcn fidj bie Ibei'nehmtr P" "^'<1* cbenfaCU eine Sdjufeuut 

,r„j°" "" yt"«^"Ci emet afliludirung U' 

fioben 2ie I ''f* *«'■*'* *diJfM8 0en"it^' iSel- -3" "nrm kintal pon i.feiJudl 

i. «„„i,..„„ ' *<■ S*v<[te gcLier tie getbdn y^etben SrditiK om SonnerSlag m &t. Cou- 

r 4:' Oj&re flUc Slibert Caoibio 



oBf« l..au« in ber 0(ip« 
»3n)a« liilq ganj aQela 
berootinic ift erniorbet ipocben. fBm. 
^anntno, ber lunge^JeRe bet alUo 
•DtanneB. metbete am Sonntaa bet 
Uolijei. ba<B. et lemen QttM qI* 
yeidje im iiaule aut bem Sugboben 
liegenb aufgefunben babe 

— iJeBten ^^o^ner^tag Mbenb muc- 
Of ber einer befannten ^amide ange- 
boienbe ilbealjam (i '^oUC( aut ftic 
!0ddiujeiijuna bm, leine Reou mn 
eioem ftnuiiel frtdjlageo ju bibcn 
in tat *efangni6 ppn 6lj"fli- 
na Uounto gcbradie Jcau 'Ci^ttet 
rDoflie fid) tdieiDen laflei. unb megen 



Itbum 



ei jj. 



mil obigem 



111 nod) nidit befannf 
Sfin (hlauhf 



..."^d, glaube 



an a«aBigteir in oflei 
braudK- teht menii 
atbe niemanb 2Iiebi 



j '-Bette. 
Seftatt, 



■1 IHA- ^\t i.'eidie von „^| 
Qrbman lag aui eiiieni 

betb«igtrufenen|n_, 

" ^'^'fllabi 



hroenbig Unl 



jur Slut: 



^\v|r: 



?Witrf!"irtii 



jnb bu ii:i|.-nbal)n.;ner. 

^ btrf bebeulungapoDfrc', 
■n bfi MonlcDtft 'J/bmini ], 
n ber '.Itrriudi betradjle 

.1 anenbabn ..'UfergcV I 
1 — nidit nui n 



I iu roerbcn.Xtanebenttanben 
;■ I bie iD^einenben ftmijec itlo^lid) er 
^ ] hebt I'ldj bic lobtgeglaubte unb ruil 
I nad) einem '^rjle 'Jfadjbem ber erili 
iidigelegt, rourbe bem Sun- 
ri entipcodjfn unb jtou grb 
jmnn m mog[id)fjei fitle nad) bem 
iioipital beforbert, motelbfl bie 'Jierj 
te bie iioffnung cu^fprodien, iie am 
Veben erf)alren ^u fonnen 
j Tie Unglicf(id)e balfe in ielbftmor. 
Jberndier "Jtbi'id)! Sorbol^aure getrun. 
Uen. unb ,ih3ci 'Jler,(:e ftatten iie ola 



bier 



eCijiiien uber)d]ip 
inige gut fein r 
rien fmb iP3ii^lo 



Turd) meine gjtabruna pon ubei 
3') Ooljrert mit ben ^Qbrneii^iDiebMi 
ncn, ipe.ieD bem ^Ilpenrraulet unb 
peil Del bin idi ^i 



r floflo) 



. 6(t ?T 



tn 5tic 



f'gel 



■unbe 



■Eer 



Uiietbdu-Jlli^lKlIun, 
^buag, 



•J 4- 



^anbeUperbanb 

, '^'~; '"' •""• lOiantOieBbhaltunH einei fldrrbau 

im ibeitjnaditatag bai 'Soutiet. ; «u#fteaung m laiicaflo. eie oflea bi« 
r 3pir bndj em mrnidil.d) Mubten | her aui bieiem L^ebiet bageipoene m 
ibit unO jrpd.v^uiiitljQuaierbegna. ben Sdjaircn flellen (oQ Vtn ber 

btgi. noml-d) St)Q3 -Vioirt u,^D -Ho- l^lui^uauna 
*-aileQ. bie bfiben Icnoften Im ©nbe CTtobei 

rfud,tbauieperoelenen3ad,.lmflemn L,eid,ie.ng em "gro&e« nauona7e* 
m gulen JReforb. | (Stnte ^efl oerbnnbrn ti.erben (Siii 

3n(4tcflal liiiq Sefferfon fioun- ©(efutio ftomite oon (Sbitagoei ^on 



Porau«fid)ilid) 



gefoi 



it I ben 



leugung 

berrreft= j'-Worgon i 
le«, iPDiur fie ebenfaOa 
M tann iie"> 4">(i 



bi-n partetiiplinidien 

Idllm'ien emen gjerretj" fiorttO. 
m.lrtier in gernijier vuiiidji grtJfecie 
^I'artilbei-xsmrte au^ubcn rourbc. ale 
Icibit bii- ?^unbe«regierung. Ifmbalt 



I *rubei 
all 



mh.i-r<y 



: gebic 



OTii umJDi 



Tette in'bf ninn ber UnterJudjung enr 
<l.'tirii nyc\(be bie ,'lmi|d)en[ioat[id)i 
iTorbeJtf fpminiiitpn om 4 ^anuai ii 
afeiD ?lorf begmnen roirb. urn ba 
i'arnman'idien iKiefen-ttombinatiui 
ou' ben Wrunb f,u Qttfen 

■iUi bie •J(ortI)ern 3etunlie3 do. 
aufijelui't tpurbf. roar ^anir* ^ fciH, 
b-T t?PenbabnTonig be« V/ocbireflen*, 
naturlidi etbitierl auf flooiePelt 
Turd) -iietmiiilimg eine« .Wabinet:- 




iitgli 



gcgen abiolul getunbbeit^idjabli " c 
subiianjen, ober Perburgi nidji bielj^*' 
•Jlembeit ber fitaare Ta^ 'iJublitum _" "' 
ifi lebod) por Uebertjorthcilung ge- f^ '^' 
id)uBl VtuI ber (Stifeite. mil n)e[d)er "^'""' 
lebe ,llatd)e. «ud)ie u ( ro. Perfeben | ''''' "^" 
rorrben mu§, debt genau ongegeben, '^'^ '" ' 
■ dlimg e.ne« .Wabinet:- ! iuo« barm cntholten ifl Senn -^fel- r'^ !^" 
[Kurben 'Sntx emanbrt Uitflee ,<ur ^dljte auil'JIepKln unb ^ui r^""* "^ 
naher gebradK * ^eBi anberen polite aui (^lufofe ober fHu "''P'"" 
on Siortiman befdmpjt ben beftef)! 'o ifl bag onf bet ^tifette I*.uli*Ii 



i nabruii^imiltelje 

eUnlcriudjungbe^aderbai 
menti bei 2Bl)ieren (Slfidiafle 

beir neuen 'iRohrung^niiltclgt 
mgq erne gon^idje Umroonblunt 
i Weldialiairoeiflc* nad] nd| jie 

Xie Seboroe geht oo;i ber 3(n 
IU9. ba^ ber onergrdlte Iljeil 
1 ben&onbelgelangenben ajh'^ 
jeridinitten" iTt lOerbleibi bei 
tar bei ^tner Sbtidit. bafi 
tlidier nidil gan^ remer SIBhi*- 
3mitaiion 2Bbi»(. 



lid] fmb 3te tfjun 

nngcpriffen inerben 

3cbem empieblen, ba idj iie in mem 

er ->amilie ,io lange 3eii mrt unfehl 

barem Snolg" gcbraud)! bobe 3 

« Staule. Sindtei'icr ,^nb " 

Sorni^ fllpentrauler Slutbclebci 
111 feme ?lpo»ietermebMm 2ic roirt 
bem IJublitum birett ppn L'ofol Slgen 
ten ^ugcftefll burdj bie ©igenthiimei, 
It ^etei 3ol)rneii, a Son« lio 
IW— U«3o ^otjnc Sloe Uhicago. 



till tflld)e riff Serieo- beiaie: 
Pr morgan. Cen ei 
enbeil unO flubeflbc 
rooaie, ettdjonen 
burdi emen 3d)uB 
be fin be I fidj 



3e<jnab ^ung perinetgerl, 
fflouocnteur^olf roeigert fid) in 
cmJaQePon 3BiDiom U ttbuo^, 
cldjer rocgen IRorbefl femer iUflege- 
teen am lu .;)anuar m Sonen 
(Ixiuntq gefidngt roei^cn foO, eine ©e- 
gnabtgung emtreten ju laffen Gi 
m ©ouDcrneur bafl l^efud) 
ge"iarri|fleji,at btn Serurtbeilten nadj^^utton 
io mag ber ;^aa bolb ju fdjicfen, bamit er bt 
bcfdjdftigen ga ban geiftigen ,S«flanb hm u> 
I urn antOionen DoOara en fpnne. aflem ©oud 
^ _ I n* nid)t einmifdien ( 

m Bann bes ITmlets. ! '^^' 8an.( ^om Spunttj 



.becungei 

ing IirQei 



lanf 



nfaft 



Idjubig brtannt. i 
been bet iBjnf ur 
ben. Set 9id]ie 
biecaufAoout ,1 

Otto (fdbacPi am 



n Rrtmmolfletid)! 
W.) Doo ben ®el- 
:cid)lagen ju Ijj 
Detuclheilte Itjn 
)cen ^uHttjoa* 



mStag i 



ibai 



CUicagpmunbenben flabncn m Ser 
binbun,! gefebi. urn ipenn moglid) iQt 
bie ausikller Special - Saten ^u er- 
langen unO bic Saftnen t)aben fid) 
Qud) id)on betiit ertlart, alien 'flu*' 
fteflern Don ©etreibe, Siel) elt . febr 
niebrige Stolen iugrroabrcn, poroue 
getebt. bob >>ie fludfieHung emen na 



9te 



fid, 



!>«* 



5t> 3at)teii geftotben 

etuttgort in iMuriemberg bort 

unO root piele 3aDte lang Uiaiif 

Ot)etl<l)rer bet bociigen 5iotmal il(t) 

cerld]ule. ioba^ ec roeit unb bteii m 

Oct)rfreilen JJhnoun-l ©efannle unfi 

abc jdt]lle 

Zti ^ru]at)tlempbna beim 
oetneut (>olt roicb bielmal erfi 
I 3anuar ftattfinlien. meil bte 
CegiSiatur am 2. Januat iufammen. 
amlabungen fmb nut fiir Bie 
're bet 'J/ationalgatbe unb CeJ. 



ffeht 



)Md|en 



nt ra] 



iba^ 



aiu 



nbtr Oat -tiublirum tm ^^Hlgemtlnc 
Sountn^3ucq obhangen ob I'*" ''"""""font"'* emgelaben 
(Setangene am 10. 3anuur bang- — IJ" ftOiaftnge IdoraaB tfonnlng 
n roirb obet m(^L J ,i„ „i4et ©taobeigcntljumbefiKt, 



Sin be. 
ajflihecicft 9?amen9 goftti 
CStoutte ,(og am SBeibnadjiatQfle tn 
fflobnung einen iRePolpet unb 
brei Sdiufle auf feme ^ottin 
ab Ste erbielt brei Stretfttiunben, 
tiel ,;u Saben unb flellte ftd) tobl. 
(Sine balte Stunbe long beobadjtete 
Tie ber morbenldje ®orie, bonn (d)o6 
er fid) (clbft tine ftugel m ben fippj, 
bie femen augenblirflidjen lob ber- 
beiliibrte. ^roei Stunben lang tag 
bie ,lrau bcmegungaiofl acbea bet 
teid]e bed iRonnf*. 



fl.eben. 

tPitb rpiebet Ijetgeflcai roerben 
Sor 



Sie 



an.ffo. 



fed)* lllonaten flab*« 
roicbet ftanfal (fitij 
nut Kinf lEounhe* 
hne Sd)anriDfale i>euie obet (inb'l 
hereitfl neunmtbbtetftig na 
n bem ge^eimen Suffe fru^t. 



ibret 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 167 

Und so griiss' in solchem Glauben 
Ich Euch, „Freie Manner" heut. 
Lasset ihn dtirch nichts Euch rauben, 
Wirket fiir ihn ungescheut ! 
Ja, dann wird iinser Verein 
Mehr als blosser Name sein. 

The newspaper continues thus : 

,,Der Redner fasste nun den Namen dieses Vereins und gab eine 
Darlegung des Begriffes, den man nothwendig mit einem „freien 
Manne" zu verbinden habe. Ein freier Mann (ward nun ange- 
geben) : 

Verwerfe alien und jeden blinden Glauben. Er bekenne offen 
und ungescheut seine gewonnenen Ansichten und Grundsatze. An 
dem was eine Zeit bewegt, in der Nahe, wie in der Feme, nimmt 
er den thatigsten Antheil, indem er mit aller ihm gegebenen Kraft 
in die Angelegenheiten einzugreifen und nie nach den Grundsatzen 
der Aufklarung und Freiheit, zu gestalten ringet." 

In closing, the speaker said : 

,,Der Dienst der Freiheit ist ein strenger Dienst. 

Er bringt nicht Gold, nicht allgemeine Gunst, 

Er bringt Verleugnung stets, viel Kampfe, ja oft selbst den Tod. 

Und doch ist dieser Dienst ein hehrer Dienst : 

Wer sich mit ganzer Treue ihm ergeben, 

Den fiihrt er siegreich in ein heil'ges Leben." 

Before adjournment, the society sang Miihl's verse : 

„Kampf sei unser Losungswort, 
Fiir das Wahre, Edle, Gute; 
Und der Freiheit, unserm Hort, 
Dienen wir mit Manner Muthe. 
Freie Manner wahr und treu, 
Ewig unser Wahlspruch sei." 

At its very beginning the Verein had 51 names on its mem- 
bership list. The purpose of the organization, as can be inferred 
from the aforesaid, was to stimulate independence of thought, to 
encourage fearless investigation, to hold up as beacon lights 
liberty, truth and justice ; to teach right living by precept and ex- 
ample. It must be lamented that this commendable body could 
not long exist. Its life-force was centered in its founder, Eduard 



i68 The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

Miihl. When, on July 7, 1854, this singularly endowed man 
passed over into another world, there was no one upon whom the 
mantle of this leader of men should fall, and soon the society dis- 
banded. Freidrich Miinch, a strong advocate of such movements, 
and who had supported Miihl in his endeavors, was too far re- 
moved to hold intact the society. 

Miihl's last words teem with the thought predominant in 
him throughout his whole eventful life : 

.,Der Freiheit war mein ganzes Leben geweiht, und ich sterbe 
als freier Mann. Ich habe meine Schuldigkeit zu thun gesucht, 
thut Ihr die Eurige ; und mochtet Ihr die Freiheit voller und 
schoner bliihen sehen, als mir leider vergonnt war !"* 

His tomb at Hermann bears this inscription: "Eduard 
Miihl, Geboren den 4ten August iSoo. Gestorben den 7ten 
Juli 1854. Mit- und Nachwelt! Ehre den muthigen Streiter 
fiir Wahrheit und Menschenrecht !" 

He strove not only for mental freedom, but unceasingly ad- 
vocated the emancipation of the slaves. He was the man who 
possessed the intrepidity to openly denounce the practice of 
slavery, notwithstanding the summary vengeance that had been 
heaped upon other self-appointed opponents of the practice. His 
love for the sweets of liberty was too strong to be hushed by 
threats. From the fullness of his heart he spoke, always fear- 
lessly, but without bitterness and without malice. Alas, that it was 
not permitted him to hear the shouts of freedom that went up ten 
years after his death ! Alas, that he could not live to participate 
in the meeting of his grateful fellow-townsmen when they assem- 
bled to carry out this resolution of the trustees of the town, 
passed January 12, 1865: "To call a citizens' meeting to take 
place on the 13th inst., for the purpose of making the necessary 
preparations for a worthy and general celebration of the deliver- 
ance of Missouri from the yoke of slavery." 



*"Deut. Am. Konversations Lexikon, Vol. VII., p. 581. 






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— tieronj'taltet Dom — 

OBefaiiciXiecem garmonie 

— unter Ceitung uon — 

prof. ^vnH ^u^^cmcYcr 

— ant — 

•gjlittiDod), beii 26. Scaemkr, 1906 

— in bet — 

Conzert Halle. 

'program ni • 

1 . .t)od)seit§mavid) ^on 9!JJenbeUotin. 

(3ireicfi=Crcl)citcr. ) 

2. ®d)on 3iotlrtrnut tion ^. ??eil. 

(iijarmoiMO VJicinnerdior.) 

3. Sorbeer unb 9iofe, i8oca(=2;uet tioii ©rett. 

( ,srnii;cin 6. t'cisncr unb £. Od)Sufr ) 

4. C^riiBe an bie $)eimatf) oo" Cromer. 

(harmonic (^>emijaiter f t)Ot.) 

5. iood] bcv 'Biui, 5'rio fiir 3 9JJdnnerftimnten oon tuntje. 

Tic .oecrc'.i G. Kiinmcl VI. !)iQCi5Cliri 2heo. (vriij. 

6. 2ic ^^Noft im iBalbe ■ oon S(f)dfer. 

( Onnnoiiic VJlopucrdiot, iSoniet Solo .ticrr ^ .fteuiie. ) 

7. „SL'(ec"t(on aug" 5JJa»cot "on ?Inbran. 

(.2lreirf)-C;rd)citec 1 

f> o u f c. 

8. Cucteiia «ovgia "O" ^onijetti. 

(Gtreid)-£rel)iilcr.) 

6. ^eba, S?ein .per! «0'» BoUnn-. 

(ij.iriiionir • 'JJ;duncrd}OC ) 

10. Gin niuiifaUtrf)er S'affeetlatjd) uon Sdjdffei. 

(^ic fsrfiiil. Jiunnta (§raf u fJiaril)ii .V{lc:if. ) 

11. „^aUabe", ®ie 3 2icbrf)en; Sa§g (So(o. 

(•Gerr Julius IJioebu^ ) 

12. 'BJailieb tion 9JJenbelfobn. 

(@cinijd;ter Shot.) 

13. Sdibnev SiJalb ^on (gngel^tird^en. 

(.\>nriuonic liliimu-rdieir ) 

14. 'S'loiux Solo 6. '•^li-ia uub SBariatton 'Dantta. 

["lUof (Jriiit 'fiiiCibemcier ] 

15 (gmc gerni(rf)tc (^eferifcfiart, tomiid)e Scene fiir -5 "-^Jetfonen . . 

Bon Simon. 

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16. „0n to ^^Janaina «Zarfcf)." • • .»on 31rmftcong. 

(©rrcidi-OrdicjIcr ) 
CONCERT PROGRAM. 



And its Colony, Hermann, Missouri. 169 

Miihl was the man who set up the first German printing press 
on the Missouri. In Cincinnati, Ohio, he had established a paper, 
which he most fittingly termed Licht-Frcimd. It was fitting 
because of the principles which the paper defended. It was the 
organ of a "Freisinniges Deutschtuni," which sought to stand on 
the lofty heights of truth, leaving all superstition far below. In 
the summer of 1843, Miihl wandered towards the West, taking 
his printing press with him. He longed for a home close to the 
bosom of unpolluted nature for a quiet spot where he might better 
hear the promptings of his real self within. At Hermann he con- 
tinued publishing his paper. His brother-in-law, Strehly, co- 
operated with him in this work. On the 23d of August, 1843, 
the first number appeared in Hermann. It was the fourth volume 
of the publication, three volumes having been issued at Cincin- 
nati. The mottoes which prefaced the first page were these : 

„Priifet aber Alles, und das Gute behaltet." i Thess. 5 : 21.* 
„Welche Religion ich bekenne? Keine von alien, die Du mir 

nennst. — Und warum keine? — Aus Religion." — Schiller. 

„Es giebt unempfangliche Zeiten, was aber ewig ist findet im- 

mer seine Zeit." 

Through this paper Miihl hoped to disseminate the light of 
truth among his countrymen. But, alas, only a few could, or 
did, appreciate his efforts. The strenuous struggle for an exist- 
ence absorbed them more than philosophical discourse. In con- 
sequence, the publication became unprofitable. The country was 
yet too young to find time or pleasure in such heavy discussions. 
In 1845, t^^ same editors abandoned the Licht-Freimd and in 
its stead issued the Hermanner Wocheviblatt, which preserved 
but few of the characteristics of the old paper, being a carrier of 
news in the general sense. This paper has survived, under vary- 
ing fortunes and is now published under the new name of Her- 
manner Volksblatt. Sporadic attempts have been made to launch 



* In the first number of the "Licht-Freitnd," issueti at Hermann, an 
error exists in the citation of the Bible reference, r Corinthians being 
printed instead of i Thessalonians as it later correctly appeared. 



I/O The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia 

other publications at Hermann. Such undertakings were al- 
ways short-lived. An English paper has existed at Hermann 
for some time, under the title of Advertiser-Courier. It is un- 
der the same management as the Volksblatt, namely, the Graf 

Brothers. 

Other demonstrations of literary activity since the death of 
Miihl are not worth consideration here. 



Americana Germanica 

NEW SERIES 
MONOGRAPHS DEVOTED TO THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE 

Literary, Linguistic and Otlier Cultural Relations of 
Germany and America 



EDITOR 

MARION DEXTER LEARNED 

University of Pennsylvania 



CONTRIBUTING EDITORS 

H. C. G. Brandt Julius Goebel 

W. H. Carpenter J. T. Hatfield 

W. H. Carruth W. T. Hewett 

Hermann Collitz A. R. Hohlfeld 

Starr W. Cutting Hugo K. Schilling 

Daniel K. Dodge H. Schmidt- Wartenberg 

a. B. Faust Hermann Schoenfeld 

KuNO Francke Calvin Thomas 

Adolph Gerber H. S. White 
Henry Wood 



PHILADELPHIA 

AMERICANA GERMANICA PRESS 

Berlin New York Leipzig 

MAYER & MULLER carl A. STERN F. A. BROCKHAUS 

London Paris 

KEGAN, PAUL, TRENCH, TROBNER & CO., Ltd. H. Le SOUDIER 



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